Utilization of dental services and preventive oral health behaviors among preschool-aged children from Delaware.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated factors associated with age-appropriate dental care utilization and preventive behaviors among preschool-aged children in Delaware.


METHODS
In June 1994, child health questionnaires were mailed to a simple random sample of 1,005 Delaware caregivers whose children were ages 6 to 36 months.


RESULTS
Only 12% of children > or = 12 months old had been to the dentist. Child's race, maternal education, maternal age, dental insurance, having a regular place for medical care, receiving information on tooth care from medical personnel, and family income were not associated with having a dental visit.


CONCLUSIONS
Improving information provided to caregivers and health professionals on appropriate timing of dental services and preventive dentistry is recommended to enhance oral health for preschool-aged children.
Stewart
D C
DC
Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry, Portland, USA.
Ortega
A N
AN
Alos
V
V
Martin
B
B
Dowshen
S A
SA
Katz
S H
SH
D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003691:Delaware; D019140:Dental Care for Children / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011313:Preventive Dentistry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011897:Random Allocation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires