Factors that influence dental visiting amongst young adults 16--20 years old.

Interviews investigating factors influencing dental visiting were held with a nationally drawn (England + Wales) random sample of 690 16--20-year-olds. The results presented relate specifically to the last reported dental visit, the balance of self and professional dental care, knowledge and acceptability of charges for dental treatment, factors in choosing a dentist, feelings about visiting the dentist and whether information relating to treatment or prevention is either asked of or given by the dentist. The results were found to vary by age, sex, social class and region. The implications of these findings for the training of dentists and dental health education messages are discussed.