The use of dental services on a regular basis in the population of Montes Claros in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

• Published in: Ciência & saude coletiva Vol. 22; no. 12; pp. 4135 - 4150
• Main Authors: Carreiro, Danilo Lima, Souza, João Gabriel Silva, Coutinho, Wagner Luiz Mineiro, Ferreira, Raquel Conceição, Ferreira, Efigênia Ferreira E, Martins, Andrea Maria Eleutério de Barros Lima
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Brazil 01-12-2017
• ISSN: 1678-4561
• DOI: 10.1590/1413-812320172212.04492016

The use of dental services on a regular basis by residents of Montes Claros (MG) was assessed, as well as related aspects. Cross-sectional study was conducted with a complex probabilistic sample by conglomerates. Logistic regression was used (OR/CI95%) with a significance level of 5. Of the 2582 study participants, 761 required and obtained access to the services for less than a year. Of these, 262 (35.8%) used the services in a regular/routine manner. The use of dental services on a regular basis was greatest among individuals in the age group "≥ 18 ≤ 37"; with schooling "equal to or greater than 9 years"; who classified their oral health, general health and appearance of teeth and gums as "excellent/good"; who reported no pain" on teeth and gums over the last six months; They reported that the "assistance provider had adequate skills"; that they "always/often" received information about oral hygiene and diet/nutrition. In addition, this use was lower among those who rated the time to ask questions about the dental problem or treatment as "regular/bad/terrible." The conclusion drawn is that the use of dental services on a regular basis was relatively low, being associated with personal traits, subjective health conditions and characteristics related to the services.