Family Dentist Research Articles

Urban-rural differences in the prevalence of having a family dentist and their association with income inequality among Japanese individuals: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundFew reported studies evaluate the status of those who have a family dentist (FD) by regional differences and the socioeconomic factors associated with this status. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of having an FD among Japanese individuals across three samples of municipality type: urban, intermediate, and rural areas, and determine the factors associated with having an FD.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study involving a web-based survey. In total, 2,429 participants (comprising men and women aged 20–69 years) were randomly selected from among the registrants of a web research company: 811 urban residents, 812 intermediate residents, and 806 rural residents. In each area, we categorized the participants into those who had an FD (FD group) and those who did not (non-FD group). A multivariate modified Poisson regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with the FD group as compared to the non-FD group.ResultsThe proportion of the FD group was lowest in rural areas (42.3%), followed by intermediate (48.6%) and urban areas (49.7%). The regression analysis revealed a statistically significant tendency between associated factors in the two groups; that is, the higher the household income, the more likely that the family belonged to the FD group (prevalence ratio (95%CI), JPY 4–6 million: 1.43 (1.00–2.03), JPY ≥ 8 million: 1.72 (1.21–2.44)).ConclusionsRural areas have the lowest proportion of people with an FD among the three areas, and income inequality is associated with having an FD. Thus, when planning policies to encourage individuals to have an FD to manage their oral health, it is necessary to consider regional differences.

Oral health status, oral health behavior, and frailty: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThere is an association between oral health and frailty, implying that tooth loss and periodontal disease increase the risk of frailty. To examine the association between oral health status and behaviors and frailty in individuals aged ≥ 75 years. MethodsA total of 7,927 participants underwent oral health examinations at the ages of 75, 77, and 80 years. The questionnaire for medical checkup of old-old (QMCOO) was used to assess frailty. Modified Poisson regression analysis was performed, with frailty as the dependent variable and family dentist, regular dental checkups, number of teeth, periodontal status, and swallowing function as independent variables. Modified Poisson regression analyses were conducted using the presence or absence of nine QMCOO domains (excluding smoking) as dependent variables. ResultsParticipants with a family dentist, those who underwent regular dental checkups, and those with a greater number of teeth had significantly lower relative risks (RRs) for frailty, with RRs of 0.72 [95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.59–0.89], 0.70 (95 % CI: 0.63–0.79), and 0.97 (95 % CI: 0.96–0.98), respectively. By contrast, individuals with periodontal pockets ≥ 6 mm and those with reduced swallowing function had significantly higher RRs for frailty [1.17 (95 % CI: 1.01–1.36) and 1.94 (95 % CI: 1.57–2.40), respectively]. Oral health status and behavior were also associated with QMCOO domains. ConclusionOlder individuals with good oral health had a lower likelihood of frailty. Regular oral care provided by a family dentist can reduce some of the negative effects of aging.

Factors Related to Regular Dental Check-Ups in Adults With Intellectual Disabilities in Japan

BackgroundWe investigated the factors associated with regular dental check-ups among adults with intellectual disabilities in Japan, with the aim of increasing the attendance rate of regular dental check-ups, which are important for maintaining the oral health of persons with intellectual disabilities. MethodsA questionnaire survey focused on oral health was conducted with 971 adults with intellectual disabilities in Japan. The survey included questions related to disability diagnosis, severity of intellectual disability, residence type, and several oral-health factors, including proxy-reported number of teeth, presence of a family dentist, frequency of regular dental check-ups, tooth-brushing habits, and availability of a dental hygienist at a facility. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between regular dental check-ups (dependent variable) and independent variables. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. ResultsIn a multivariate analysis, sex, diagnosis of disability, severity of intellectual disability, residence type, and the presence of a family dentist were significantly associated with regular dental check-ups. The ORs for nonregular dental check-ups were significantly higher for adults with Down syndrome, those with mild disability, and those living at home with family; the respective mean ORs (95% CIs) were 2.3 (1.2-4.4), 3.3 (1.3-8.4), and 1.8 (1.1-3.0). The absence of a family dentist had a particularly strong association with a lack of regular dental check-ups, with a mean OR (95% CI) of 15.0 (8.7-26.0). ConclusionsRegular dental check-ups among adults with intellectual disabilities in Japan were associated with sex, diagnosis of disability, severity of disability, type of residence, and the presence of a family dentist.

Prevalence of panoramic radiographs findings of cementum‐osseous dysplasia with calcification in the department of oral surgery at hospital: A retrospective study

AbstractAimCemento‐osseous dysplasia (COD) is a benign, non‐neoplastic, fibro‐osseous lesion that is often asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on dental radiographs. Radiological examination, rather than biopsy, is recommended for diagnosis because of the risk of infection. The dentist working at a hospital sometimes requests a family dentist to follow up on the progress of COD discovered accidentally during panoramic radiography at a hospital. However, there are few reports on the prevalence of COD on panoramic radiographs obtained at the oral surgery department of a hospital; therefore, we investigated this in this study.Materials and methodsWe examined the prevalence of COD with calcification (classification, presence of infection, and complications with simple bone cysts) in 1194 patients for whom panoramic radiographs were obtained.ResultsTwelve patients (1.0%) had findings of COD with calcification: four cases of periapical COD (three females and one male), five cases of focal COD (four females and one male), and three cases of florid COD (three females and zero males). Infection was seen in one case of Florid COD and one case of Focal COD. A simple bone cyst was observed in one patient with Florid COD.ConclusionCOD with calcification was observed in a certain percentage of patients, and many were asymptomatic. Dental healthcare workers need to understand that COD carries a risk of infection and that there are diseases that need to be differentiated. Patients should also be advised about the need for long‐term follow‐up.

Evaluation of Periodontal Status and Oral Health Habits with Continual Dental Support for Young Patients with Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a congenital disorder associated with impaired blood clotting. Routine dental intervention to prevent oral bleeding in patients with hemophilia is considered important, but its effectiveness remains unknown. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of continual dental support on periodontal status and oral health habits in young patients with hemophilia. Of the 168 young patients with hemophilia who visited our clinic for 5 years, we selected subjects who had visited annually since 2015 and were in the mixed and permanent dentitions. To evaluate the periodontal status of these subjects, Community Periodontal Index (CPI) values in the molars and anterior teeth were measured. In addition, a questionnaire regarding oral health habits, including floss use, frequency of brushing by parents, and attending a family dentist, was administered to the subjects and their parents. In the patients with mixed dentition, the CPI values for the upper right molars and lower left central incisor decreased significantly in later years compared with the first year (p < 0.05). In the patients with permanent dentition, only one year recorded a significant decrease in CPI values compared with the first year (p < 0.05), localized in the upper right molars. The results of the questionnaire revealed that continual dental support improved dental floss use and the frequency of brushing by parents only in the mixed dentition group. Furthermore, these oral health habits significantly affected CPI values only in the mixed dentition group (p < 0.01). These results suggest that continual dental support improves the periodontal condition and oral health habits of hemophilic patients, especially those with mixed dentition.

Corporate dentistry – An insight and vision for future

Not been a long while since dentistry used to be a family or community-acquainted profession. Utmost of our parents used to visit one or two dentists as family dentists. A single dentist used to care for the dental health of a small community in that area. In a sense, dentistry was more particular. Recently, with adding mindfulness and generation gaps, the conception of a ‘family dentist’ is sluggishly fading. Patients are more apprehensive, want technical treatment, and prefer all specialists under a single roof. Many times agone, private dentists considered their neighbourhood competitive conventions a trouble to their practice. With changing times, the thing which interpreters consider dangerous now is big corporate titans, opening luxurious centers and dental chains across the visage world. With the use of a huge marketing machine and the capability to offer targeted impulses that are grounded on request exploration, corporate dentistry is veritably delicate to contend with. At the same time, it’s arising as a comfortable career option for dentists. A country like India, with around 1 billion population being a huge potent request for corporate dental chains. To tap this largely profitable market corporate or corporate thinking has surfaced.

Factors Influencing the Decision Process within Seeking Orthodontic Care among the Saudi Population: A Cross-sectional Survey

Aims & Background Orthodontic treatment is the first choice for the treatment of many different types of malocclusions, and patients’ decision processes while seeking orthodontic treatment are multifactorial. The aim of the present study is to assess these factors influencing the decision process regarding the public and orthodontic treatment for themselves or for their children, as well as the factors influencing the selection of an orthodontist versus a general dentist in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods A survey-based questionnaire was distributed through social media accounts that included questions about demographic data, reasons for seeking orthodontic care, barriers to care, and sources of information that may influence the decisions regarding the choice of orthodontic treatment for the participants and their children. Results The final sample included 320 responses from eligible participants (181 men & 139 women with a mean age of 39.98). ‘Family dentist recommendation’ was the most important reason for participants to seek out orthodontic treatment for themselves or a child while finding a caregiver who can handle complications and the availability of appointments were the most important barriers in seeking orthodontic treatment. Participants also assumed an orthodontist would be more reliable in finishing the treatment in the expected duration, yet they expected that treatment with a general dentist would be less costly and more convenient. Conclusion A referral from the family dentist has the most impactful influence on seeking orthodontic care. People are keen to have their treatment done by an orthodontist, but the major barrier in seeking orthodontic care is finding a suitable candidate. Parents prioritize orthodontic treatment for their children more than for themselves.

Preoperative dental screening can reduce periprosthetic infections of hip and knee endoprostheses in the first month after surgery: results of a cohort study.

The oral cavity and, in particular, potential oral foci might pose a risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The aim of this cohort study was to determine whether practical preoperative dental screening would reduce the prevalence of early PJI in the first month after surgery. Patients attending a specialized endoprosthesis implantation clinic between 2018 and 2022 were recruited. Two groups were examined. The test group consisted of patients attending the clinic between 2020 and 2022 and who were referred to their family dentist using a standardized form. The comparison group consisted of patients who were treated in the clinic between 2018 and 2020. They were not referred to their family dentist. The two groups were compared for the prevalence of PJI. Univariate analysis followed by multiple logistic regression was performed to confirm risk factors for PJI in this cohort. 2560 individuals (test group: 1227, comparison group: 1333) were included. The prevalence of PJI was significantly lower in the test group (0.8% vs. 1.8%, p = 0.04). Multiple logistic regression with PJI as the dependent variable showed that a dental referral was a strong predictor of a lower prevalence of PJI (OR: 0.43, CI95 0.205-0.917, p = 0.03). Male gender was also strongly associated with a higher frequency of PJI (OR: 2.68, CI95 1.32-5.42, p = 0.01). Age (OR: 1.06, CI95 1.01-1.10, p = 0.01) and BMI (OR: 1.11, CI95 1.05-1.17, p < 0.01) had little effect on the risk of PJI. Dental referral using a standardized form can reduce the prevalence of early PJI. Accordingly, orthopedists and dentists should collaborate in this practical way.

학생 치과주치의제도 거버넌스 평가와 함의

Objectives: The study was to assess the level of governance perceived by key stakeholders regarding the family dentist system for students in Seoul.&#x0D; Methods: The evaluation tool used for this assessment was a health policy governance evaluation tool developed by the World Bank.&#x0D; Results: The study revealed that the dimension of 'transparency and information' of the family dentist system for students in Seoul received the highest level of governance. The dimensions of 'consistency and stability' and 'coherent decision-making structure' also received a good level of governance. However, there were areas where governance was found to be insufficient, specifically in terms of 'stakeholder participation' and 'supervision and regulation'.&#x0D; Conclusions: To implement the family dentist system for students nationwide, enhancing the governance framework is crucial, allowing key stakeholders such as oral health professionals, students, and their parents to engage.

Family dentist.

The author expresses themselves with a poem about what it was like going to the dentist as a child, when their parent was the dentist. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

A case of occlusal reconstruction with autotransplantation of third molar after surgery of odontogenic keratocyst in the mandible

AbstractBackgroundOdontogenic keratocyst (OKC) has high recurrence rate. We sometimes extract the teeth in contact with the lesion to prevent recurrence.Case presentationA 14‐year‐old male was referred to our hospital by his family dentist for the evaluation of a posterior left mandible lesion. We extracted the mandibular left second and third molar and performed enucleation and curettage of the OKC. After the operation, we performed intertemporal autotransplantation.ConclusionThe postoperative course has been good with no mobility and less than 3 mm periodontal pockets of the donor and with no recurrence of OKC.

Factors influencing delayed referral of oral cancer patients from family dentists to the core hospital

Background/purposeMost oral cancer (OC) cases are identified by family dentists in Japan. However, a significant number of patients with OC in Japan are referred to core hospitals at advanced stages. Therefore, identifying the factors that contribute to delayed referrals from family dentists to core hospitals is crucial for detecting OC in its earlier stages. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify the risk factors for referral delays from family dentists to core hospitals. Materials and methodsThe study included 63 patients with OC who were referred by family dentists to the Yamagata University Hospital between 2010 and 2022. The clinical parameters related to referral delays were retrospectively investigated using letters of reference provided by the family dentists and patient charts. Backward multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the relationships between the length of referral delay and potential risk factors. Additionally, backward multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the independent association between referral delays of >4 weeks and several clinical parameters. ResultsMultiple regression analysis revealed that misdiagnosis of malignant lesions by family dentists (P = 0.047) was significantly associated with longer referral delays. Additionally, misdiagnosis of malignant lesions by family dentists was also an independent risk factor for referral delays of >4 weeks (odds ratio, 10.387; P = 0.006). ConclusionMisdiagnosis of malignant lesions by family dentists was a significant risk factor for referral delays from family dentists to core hospitals. Our results will motivate family dentists to improve their ability to diagnose OC.

Factors Related to Oral Problems in Patients with Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness in Long-Term Care: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Factors influencing oral problems, such as malocclusion and oral motor dysfunction, in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (DOC) remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between oral problems and physical function, communication, respiration, and oral intake status, as well as related factors in patients with DOC receiving long-term care at home. A cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2018; 127 patients who developed DOC > 5 years ago were analyzed. The differences between patients with and without oral problems were examined, and a binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to examine factors associated with oral problems, with the presence of oral problems as the dependent variable, and age, the number of years since onset, drooling, oral intake status, and the presence of a family dentist as explanatory variables. A post hoc power analysis of the binomial logistic regression analysis for oral problems (odds ratio: 2.05, alpha value: 0.05, incidence of oral problems: 0.80, and total sample size: 127) demonstrated an observed power of 93.09%. Oral intake status (p = 0.010) and the number of years since onset (p = 0.046) were significantly related to oral problems. Preventive oral management and rehabilitation from the early stage after onset may be effective for oral problems in patients with DOC.

ETHICAL PRACTICES OF DENTISTS IN PUNE CITY: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Every professional body has its own code of conduct for its members. Dental profession in India is regulated by the Dental Council of India (DCI) under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. DCI; a statutory body formed by an act of parliament- the Dentists Act, 1948 (XVI of 1948). Crowding of dentists across cities leads to unhealthy competition and commercialization. This leads to violating the code of conduct put forth by the state dental councils and many of the norms are openly flouted and rules randomly bent. The objective of the present study is to access the amount of violation of the code of conduct by the dental clinics with respect to the clinic name board and advertisement, in and around Pune city, by an on-site survey. Materials and methods-Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethics Committee of M.C.E society, Azam Campus, Pune. The study consisted of questions regarding the size of the dental clinic board, attractive symbols or wordings, qualifications other than the academic ones, and advertisements of the clinics through media or sign boards. In all, 123 clinics were observed. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 22.0 (Chicago, U.S.A). Results-There were in all 123 clinics (60- BDS and 63- MDS). More BDS practitioners faulted the regulations with respect to size of the sign board, slogans on the board- like “family dentists”, “tooth designing”; fixing the sign board far away from the place of practice- at the pharmacist. Higher percentage of MDS practitioners advertised through media for promoting their clinics compared to the BDS practitioners. Overall more than half of the dentists mentioned their place of study and the university from where they obtained their degrees. Almost 25% mentioned that they had obtained gold medal in their academics and a few of them also specified the subject in which they won the medals. Conclusion: The current study highlights the violation of codes by dentists in Pune city. It also shows that post graduates are also violating norms. It is up to the DCI, to take appropriate steps including the earliest revision of its norms and its supervision of its strict adherence.

A firm mass at the angle of the mandible

An 8-year-old girl was brought in the oral and maxillofacial surgery department with swelling of her mandibular left jaw that her mother stated had been present for 3 weeks. At first, the patient noticed pain while brushing her teeth. Over the next 3 weeks, the patient’s mother noticed increasing swelling that progressively increased in firmness. The patient endorsed constant pain with increased discomfort on palpation. At no point in the course had the patient experienced fever, nausea, or vomiting. The patient was prescribed amoxicillin (250 mg/mL) by her family dentist 4 days before seeking treatment for a suspected odontogenic infection. When the swelling did not resolve, she was referred to the oral and maxillofacial surgery department. Dr. Ellison is a resident, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL. Dr. Callahan is an assistant professor, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, Chicago, IL. Dr. Moles is an assistant professor, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, Chicago, IL.

Ameloblastic carcinoma of the mandible: a case report

BackgroundAmeloblastic carcinoma is a malignant form of ameloblastoma and a very rare odontogenic tumor. We report a case of ameloblastic carcinoma that occurred after removal of a right-sided mandibular dental implant.Case presentationA 72-year-old female patient visited her family dentist with a complaint of pain around a lower right implant placed 37 years previously. Although the dental implant was removed with the diagnosis of peri-implantitis, the patient experienced dullness of sensation in the lower lip and was followed up by her dentist, but after no improvement. She was referred to a highly specialized institution where she was diagnosed with osteomyelitis and treated the patient with medication; however, there was no improvement. In addition, granulation was observed in the same area leading to a suspicion of malignancy, and the patient was referred to our oral cancer center. The diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was made after a biopsy at our hospital. Under general anesthesia, the patient underwent mandibulectomy, right-sided neck dissection, free flap reconstruction with an anterolateral thigh flap, immediate reconstruction with a metal plate, and tracheostomy. Histological analysis of the resected specimen on hematoxylin and eosin staining showed structures reminiscent of enamel pulp and squamous epithelium in the center of the tumor. The tumor cells were highly atypical, with nuclear staining, hypertrophy, irregular nuclear size, and irregular nuclear shape, all of which were suggestive of cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that Ki-67 was expressed in more than 80% of the targeted area, and the final diagnosis was primary ameloblastic carcinoma.ConclusionAfter reconstructive flap transplantation, occlusion was re-established using a maxillofacial prosthesis. The patient remained disease-free at the 1-year 3-month follow-up.

Dental care and oral conditions are associated with the prevalence of sarcopenia in people with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundInsulin resistance, which is closely associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is a cause of sarcopenia and people with T2DM have a high risk of sarcopenia. Keeping good oral condition by dental care is important for people with T2DM. Keeping good oral condition by dental care is important for people with T2DM. This study has investigated the association between dental care or oral conditions and sarcopenia in people with T2DM.MethodsDental care and oral conditions were evaluated based on a self-reported questionnaire. Individuals with both low handgrip strength and low skeletal muscle mass index were diagnosed with sarcopenia.ResultsAmong 266 people with T2DM, the proportions of sarcopenia, not having a family dentist, not having a toothbrushing behavior, poor chewing ability, and use of complete dentures were 18.0%, 30.5%, 33.1%, 25.2%, and 14.3%, respectively. The proportions of sarcopenia in people not having a family dentist (27.2% vs. 14.1%, p = 0.017), those with poor chewing ability (26.9% vs. 15.1%, p = 0.047), and use of complete dentures (36.8% vs. 14.9%, p = 0.002) were higher than those in people without. The proportion of sarcopenia in people without toothbrushing behavior tended to be higher than that in people with toothbrushing behavior (25.0% vs. 14.6%, p = 0.057). Not having a family dentist (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.48 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21–5.09], p = 0.013), poor chewing ability (adjusted OR 2.12 [95% CI: 1.01–4.46], p = 0.048), and use of complete dentures (adjusted OR 2.38 [95% CI: 1.01–5.99], p = 0.046) were related to the prevalence of sarcopenia.ConclusionsThis study revealed that dental care and oral conditions were associated with the prevalence of sarcopenia.

Periodontal therapy for localized severe periodontitis in a patient receiving fixed orthodontic treatment: a case report

BackgroundOrthodontic treatment involves movement of teeth by compression and resorption of the alveolar bone using orthodontic forces. These movements are closely linked to the interactions between the teeth and the periodontal tissues that support them. Owing to an increase in adults seeking orthodontic treatment, orthodontists increasingly encounter patients with periodontal diseases, in whom orthodontic treatment is contraindicated. In rare cases, periodontitis may develop after treatment initiation. However, no approach for treating periodontitis after the initiation of orthodontic treatment has been established. Here, we present an approach for managing localized severe periodontitis manifesting after initiating orthodontic treatment.Case presentationA 32-year-old Japanese woman was referred to the Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery by an orthodontist who observed symptoms of acute periodontitis in the maxillary molars that required periodontal examination and treatment. A detailed periodontal examination, including oral bacteriological examination, revealed localized severe periodontitis (stage III, grade B) in the maxillary left first and second molars and in the mandibular right second molar. After consultation with the orthodontist, the orthodontic treatment was suspended based on the results of the bacteriological examination to allow for periodontal treatment. Full-mouth disinfection was performed with adjunctive oral sitafloxacin. Periodontal and bacteriological examinations after treatment revealed regression of the localized periodontitis with bone regeneration. Thereafter, orthodontic treatment was resumed, and good progress was achieved.ConclusionsOrthodontists should recognize the risk of acute severe periodontitis in young adults. Asymptomatic patients with localized severe periodontitis may clear a screening test before orthodontic treatment but develop acute symptoms with bone resorption during orthodontic treatment. Therefore, patients requiring orthodontic treatment should be examined by their family dentist or a periodontist to rule out periodontal issues that may impede orthodontic treatment. The patients should also be informed of age-related risks. Further, periodontists, family dentists, and orthodontists who treat adults should be informed about periodontitis and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. In patients who develop periodontitis after orthodontic treatment initiation, temporary interruption of orthodontic treatment and aggressive periodontal intervention may facilitate recovery.

Factors influencing patient disclosure of cancer diagnosis to the family dentist: online survey in Japan

Oral care during cancer treatment constitutes essential supportive care. We aimed to identify factors associated with cancer patients informing their family dentists about their cancer diagnosis. Using the generated original questionnaire, we conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire study in 500 cancer patients (gastric, colorectal, lung, breast, and prostate cancer) through the Internet from September 10 to 13, 2019. The factors influencing patients’ disclosure of their cancer diagnosis to their family dentist were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Nearly half of the respondents (42.2%) informed their family dentist that they had cancer. The disclosing behavior of cancer patients was distinctively associated with their physician’s advice (odds ratio [OR] 59.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.7–456.3); 8.6% of all respondents were advised to inform their dentist about their cancer diagnosis. In the group without the physician's advice, good relationship with family dentist was associated with disclosing behavior. This study indicates the need for support for cancer patients to receive appropriate oral care; patients' perceptions of the physician’s advice and communication with the family dentist should be motivators for disclosing the cancer diagnosis to dentists. Medical workers involved in cancer care should demonstrate the benefit of medical-dental collaboration in cancer care of patients.

Characteristics of Individuals in Japan Who Regularly Manage Their Oral Health by Having a Family Dentist: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey.

Dental healthcare systems may differ between countries; however, having a family dentist is generally important for proper oral health management. This study aims to analyze the proportion of people in Japan who have a family dentist, and their characteristics. A nationwide web-based survey with 3556 participants (1708 men and 1848 women) showed that 45.6% of men and 54.1% of women had a family dentist (FD group). A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that men in the FD group mostly belonged to older age groups (≥70 s, OR: 2.41), received higher household incomes (≥8000 K JPY, OR: 1.47), brushed their teeth three or more times daily (OR: 1.60), practiced habitual interdental cleaning (OR: 3.66), and fewer lived in rural areas (towns and villages, OR: 0.52). Regarding the women, the majority belonged to older age groups (60 s, OR: 1.52; ≥70 s, OR: 1.73), practiced habitual interdental cleaning (OR: 3.68), and fewer received lower household incomes (<2000 K JPY, OR: 0.61). These results suggest that despite Japan being a country with a public insurance coverage system for both men and women, having a family dentist is associated with disparities in individual socioeconomic factors, particularly age and household income.