OBJECTIVE: To investigate the utilization of oral health services and to analyze the factors associated with oral health services for the community residents. METHODS: Household health interview and oral health condition survey were conducted to obtain information about oral health services. The respondents were recruited by a multi-stage random cluster sampling procedure. Multiple dummy regression analyses were performed for the assessment of the relative effect of behavioural factors on dental attendance. RESULTS: A total of 2003 families, 4459 people participated in this study. The people seeking dental treatment accounted for 11.3% (502/4459) per year. Young people (OR = 2.072), having medical insurance system (OR = 2.835), short distance to see dentist (OR = 3.535), oral health awareness (OR = 2.595), poor self-assessment of oral health status (OR = 2.014) were the main factors which influenced dental attendance of community residents. CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of oral health service was low, particularly for middle-aged people and the elderly. Oral health education and medical insurance system should be strengthened.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the utilization of oral health services and to analyze the factors associated with oral health services for the community residents. METHODS: Household health interview and oral health condition survey were conducted to obtain information about oral health services. The respondents were recruited by a multi-stage random cluster sampling procedure. Multiple dummy regression analyses were performed for the assessment of the relative effect of behavioural factors on dental attendance. RESULTS: A total of 2003 families, 4459 people participated in this study. The people seeking dental treatment accounted for 11.3% (502/4459) per year. Young people (OR = 2.072), having medical insurance system (OR = 2.835), short distance to see dentist (OR = 3.535), oral health awareness (OR = 2.595), poor self-assessment of oral health status (OR = 2.014) were the main factors which influenced dental attendance of community residents. CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of oral health service was low, particularly for middle-aged people and the elderly. Oral health education and medical insurance system should be strengthened.