Attitudes of older versus younger adults toward dentistry and dentists.

A total of 416 adults were interviewed by telephone to gauge their attitudes toward dentistry and dentists. Attitudes of those age 55 and older were compared with those younger than age 55. It was found that 72% of those 55 and older had not visited a dentist in the previous 2 years because they felt it was not necessary; 38.5% of respondents younger than 55 gave this reason. Only 15% of those 55 and older reported that high costs kept them away from the dentist.