Faculty Collaboration Database

Socio-demographics of adult orthodontic visits in the United States. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2008 Apr;133(4):489.e9-14

Date

04/15/2008

Pubmed ID

18405809

DOI

10.1016/j.ajodo.2007.08.016

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-41649094166 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   20 Citations

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Population-based studies in orthodontics have focused on differences between normative and perceived needs. However, information from national data on the prevalence of orthodontic visits and their associated factors in adults in the United States is scarce. We examined the demographic profile of likely adult users of orthodontic services and whether there is racial and ethnic disparity in orthodontic visits.

METHODS: We analyzed data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 2000-2004.

RESULTS: Overall, about 1% of the population reported an orthodontic visit. Subjects who made a general dental visit during the current year were significantly more likely to also have an orthodontic visit. Single adults, women, people between 18 and 30 years of age, and those from high-income families were more likely to report an orthodontic visit. There were no indications of racial and ethnic disparity for either black or Hispanic adults compared with white adults after adjusting for other covariates.

CONCLUSIONS: Substantial racial and ethnic disparity in adult orthodontic usage was not identified. Adults (ages 18-30 years), women, those with higher incomes, and single adults had significantly higher odds of reporting an orthodontic visit. However, additional studies specifically evaluating the association of treatment need among low-income families are required to evaluate whether these adults face significant barriers in accessing orthodontic care.

Author List

Whitesides J, Pajewski NM, Bradley TG, Iacopino AM, Okunseri C

Author

Christopher Okunseri DDS,MS Associate Professor and Director in the Clinical Services department at Marquette University

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Age Factors
Aged
Dental Care
Female
Health Expenditures
Humans
Logistic Models
Male
Marital Status
Middle Aged
Orthodontics, Corrective
Sex Factors
Social Class
United States