Factors associated with utilization of preventive dental services among elderly patients at a university dental hospital, Thailand

Abstract

IntroductionPreventive dentistry refers to dental practices that help to preserve good oral health throughout an individual's lifetime. However, studies on the utilization of preventive dental services among older patients are limited. This study aimed to explore factors associated with the utilization of preventive dental services among elderly patients attending a university dental hospital in Thailand. Material and methodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted between February 15 and March 30, 2023. We comprised secondary data from patients over 60 years of age who visited the Faculty of Dentistry between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. This data was retrieved from the dental hospital resource system. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's Chi-Square test, and multivariable logistic regression were performed to analyze the data. ResultsThere were 367 participants in this study. Most participants were women (59.0 %) and younger than 70 years old (55.6 %). Bivariate analyses indicated that patients with adequate dental health insurance (p = 0.016) and those receiving regular dental care (p = 0.021) had higher utilization of preventive dental services. Multivariable logistic regression confirmed statistically significant associations between high utilization of preventive dental services and adequate dental health insurance (p = 0.020) and regular dental visits (p = 0.020). ConclusionThe findings of this study indicate that elderly patients without adequate dental insurance and those who did not visit the dentists regularly are less likely to utilize preventive dental services. To bolster preventive care utilization, policymakers should prioritize and promote regular dental visits and enhance dental insurance benefits for older people.