title: Utilization of dental services and preventive oral health behaviors among preschool-aged children from Delaware.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry, Portland, USA.
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: A N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Ortega
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Alos
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Dowshen
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Katz
mesh_terms: 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