Dental health status of an aging VA population: implications for a preventive dental health care program.

The purpose of this study was to describe the sociodemographic characteristics and dental health status of the largest eligible class of veterans (Class IV) within the Greater Miami catchment area. Only 43 percent of 4,882 Class IV patients within this area have sought VA dental care. Sociodemographic data were obtained from a randomized sample of both the VA-treated and non-VA-treated groups. The prevalence and incidence of dental diseases and actual dental treatment procedures completed for the VA-treated sample were determined from clinical records. Results indicated that periodontal disease and dental caries are substantial problems; small groups of patients account for the majority of treatment needs and associated costs; 71 percent of these patients are over 55 years of age; and the "average" Class IV patient is lower middle-class and retired. Study implications suggest that the best strategy for developing an effective VA dental health program would be one in which each patient would have a preventive regimen tailored to meet his needs and the ability to comply with the preventive program. The VA needs to determine the cost-effectiveness and dental health advantages of providing preventive dental health care services to eligible veterans.