title: A strong sense of coherence promotes regular dental attendance in adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the relationship between the sense of coherence (SOC) and dental attendance pattern. It was hypothesised that the subjects with a stronger SOC have a more regular dental attendance.
  
  
  METHODS
  In the nationally representative sample including 8,028 persons aged 30, or more, 88% were surveyed. The questionnaire and home interview included information about socio-economic and demographic factors, behavioural and attitudinal variables, such as oral health behaviours (i.e. dental attendance pattern), and the SOC scale (12-item). Chi-square test, unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were used in the data analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The sample for this study consisted of 4,263, 30- to 64-year-old dentate, adults.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Regular dental attendance was more common among those with a stronger SOC. Gender, education, family income and marital status, but not age, were related with dental attendance. The gender- and age-adjusted associations between the SOC and dental attendance pattern were found to be significantly stronger among those having high-, or middle level of education compared with those having a low education level.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A stronger SOC is associated with regular dental attendance. This raises the possibility of achieving long-term positive effects on dental attendance in adulthood, if the SOC could be strengthened during adolescence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology and Geriatric Dentistry, Institute of Dentistry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland. jjsavola@paju.oulu.fi
authors.forename: Jarno
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Savolainen
authors.forename: Matti
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Knuuttila
authors.forename: Liisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Suominen-Taipale
authors.forename: Tuija
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Martelin
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nordblad
authors.forename: Mirka
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Niskanen
authors.forename: Antti
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Uutela
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003729:Dental Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015981:Epidemiologic Factors; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged