Increasing use of dental services by children, but many are unable to secure needed care

J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2014 Fall;39(1):9-11. doi: 10.17796/jcpd.39.1.j677kp1584657r80.

Abstract

National studies indicate that an increasing proportion of children are receiving needed oral health care. However, this increase is not uniform throughout all populations of youngsters. Overall national study findings regarding the use of dental services mask the fact that, a significant subset of low-income, minority, medically and developmentally compromised and socially vulnerable children continue to lack access to care and suffer significant and consequential dental and oral disease. In addition, these same children will face continued difficulties in securing needed care as they reach their early adult years.

Keywords: dental visits; disability; insurance; poverty; unmet needs.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Asian / statistics & numerical data
  • Black or African American / statistics & numerical data
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dental Care for Children / statistics & numerical data*
  • Dental Care for Chronically Ill / statistics & numerical data
  • Dental Care for Disabled / statistics & numerical data
  • Health Services Accessibility / statistics & numerical data*
  • Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Insurance, Health / statistics & numerical data
  • Medically Uninsured / statistics & numerical data
  • Minority Groups / statistics & numerical data
  • Poverty / statistics & numerical data
  • Transition to Adult Care
  • United States
  • Vulnerable Populations / statistics & numerical data
  • White People / statistics & numerical data