Factors associated with comprehensive dental care following an initial emergency dental visit.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to characterize the patient population utilization of a dental home as grouped by: (1) age; (2) sex; and (3) payment method.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review of 1,020 patients, who initially presented for an emergency visit, was performed. From the original data pool, 2 groups were delineated: (1) those patients who returned for comprehensive dental care; and (2) those who did not return for comprehensive dental care.


RESULTS
Patients with private dental insurance or Medicaid dental benefits were statistically more likely to return for comprehensive oral health care than those with no form of dental insurance. Younger patients (< or =3 years of age) were least likely to return for comprehensive dental care.


CONCLUSIONS
Socioeconomic factors play a crucial role in care-seeking behaviors. These obstacles are often a barrier to preventive and comprehensive oral health care.
Johnson
Jeffrey T
JT
Department of Oral Health Science, Division of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Kentucky, College of Dentistry, Lexington, USA. jjohn5@email.uky.edu
Turner
Erwin G
EG
Novak
Karen F
KF
Kaplan
Alan L
AL
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003190:Comprehensive Dental Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003740:Dental Clinics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007347:Insurance, Dental; D007629:Kentucky; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014098:Toothache / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy