Journal article
Predictors of having a dentist among older adults in Iowa
Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, Vol.48(3), pp.240-247
06/2020
DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12521
PMID: 32043281
Abstract
Objectives Oral health plays an important role in the general well‐being of older adults, yet older adults experience unique barriers to dental care. In the United States, almost two‐thirds of older adults are dentally uninsured – a reflection of the exclusion of dental benefits from Medicare. The aim of this study was to investigate potential predictors of having a dentist among older adults receiving services funded through the Iowa Department on Aging (IDA). Methods This was a cross‐sectional analysis on a convenience sample (n = 2692) of adults age 65+ who completed a required survey to determine eligibility to receive services from the IDA. Data from questionnaires completed between March and December 2017 were used to generate multivariable logistic regression models that identified predictors of having a dentist. The dependent variable, having a dentist, was gathered by self‐report in the survey. Explanatory variables eligible for inclusion in the models included demographic and geographic factors, indicators of access to dental care, and factors related to activities of daily living. Results Fewer than half (46.2%) of the respondents reported having a dentist. In the final regression model, individuals with dental insurance were more than twice as likely to have a dentist than those without insurance. Conversely, individuals with a tooth/mouth problem and who need help with housekeeping and with transportation were significantly less likely to have a dentist than their counterparts. Conclusions These results align with known insurance‐related barriers and identify certain activities of daily living that might influence older adults' ability to access care. The finding that individuals with oral health problems were less likely to have a dentist underscores the need to reduce barriers to care for this population.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Predictors of having a dentist among older adults in Iowa
- Creators
- Leonardo Marchini - University of Iowa, Preventive and Community DentistryJulie C Reynolds - University of Iowa, Center for Social Science InnovationDaniel J Caplan - University of Iowa, Preventive and Community DentistryShan Sasser - Iowa Department on AgingCarlene Russell - Iowa Department on Aging
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, Vol.48(3), pp.240-247
- DOI
- 10.1111/cdoe.12521
- PMID
- 32043281
- ISSN
- 0301-5661
- eISSN
- 1600-0528
- Number of pages
- 8
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 06/2020
- Academic Unit
- Preventive and Community Dentistry; Oral Health Policy Research
- Record Identifier
- 9983918299902771
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