Abstract
BackgroundThis study sought to evaluate dental utilization among 3-,4-, and 5-year-old children in China and to use Andersen’s behavioural model to explore influencing factors, thereby providing a reference for future policy making.MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional study. Data of 40,305 children aged 3–5 years were extracted from the Fourth National Oral Health Survey, which was performed from August 2015 to December 2016. Patient data were collected using a questionnaire, which was answered by the child’s parents, and clinical data were collected during a clinical examination. Stratification and survey weighting were incorporated into the complex survey design. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations and hierarchical logistic regression results were then analysed to find the factors associated with oral health service utilization.ResultsThe oral health service utilization prevalence during the prior 12 months were 9.5% (95%CI: 8.1–11.1%) among 3-year-old children, 12.1% (95%CI: 10.8–13.5%) among 4-year-old children, and 17.5% (95%CI: 15.6–19.4%) among 5-year-old children. “No dental diseases” (71.3%) and “dental disease was not severe” (12.4%) were the principal reasons why children had not attended a dental visit in the past 12 months. The children whose parents had a bachelor’s degree or higher (OR: 2.29, 95%CI: 1.97–2.67, p < 0.001), a better oral health attitude ranging from 5 to 8(OR: 1.64, 95%CI: 1.43–1.89, p < 0.001), annual per capital income more than 25,000 CNY (OR: 1.40, 95%CI: 1.18–1.65, p < 0.001),think their child have worse or bad oral health (OR: 3.54, 95%CI: 2.84–4.40, p < 0.001), and children who often have toothaches (OR: 9.72, 95%CI: 7.81–12.09, p < 0.001) were more likely to go to the dentist in the past year.ConclusionThe prevalence of dental service utilization was relatively low among preschool children. It is necessary to strengthen oral health education for parents and children, thereby improving oral health knowledge as well as attitude, and promoting dental utilization.
Highlights
This study sought to evaluate dental utilization among 3,4, and 5-year-old children in China and to use Andersen’s behavioural model to explore influencing factors, thereby providing a reference for future policy making
Brazil, Baldani, et al find that the pattern of lack of access to dental care has remained unchanged for pre-schoolers over the years [11]
From each district, three kindergartens were selected by Probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling; After their guardians signed the informed consent form, a total of 40,305 children from 372 kindergartens were included in the final analysis
Summary
This study sought to evaluate dental utilization among 3-,4-, and 5-year-old children in China and to use Andersen’s behavioural model to explore influencing factors, thereby providing a reference for future policy making. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children attend their first dentist visit upon eruption of the first tooth or no later than 1 year of age [6]. There is no doubt that parental behaviour has an important influence on the good oral health care habits of children. In one study in a Hong Kong population, only 44% of parents sought treatment even though free dental care was offered to their children [8]. 41.9% of American children reported an annual dental visit for general dental care [9]. Based on the Third National Oral Health Epidemiological Survey, only 15% of 5-year-old children have utilized dental services [2]. Understanding dental visit patterns is important to diminish disparities and inequalities
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
