According to the Connecticut (CT) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), the percentage of adults ages 18 and over who had any dental visit in the past year increased from 75.4% in 2012 to 76.5% in 2018.[i] The percentage varied from 81.3% in 2002 to 81.4% in 2010, with an average of 80.7% across decade. Overall, there has been no significant change, moving away from baseline and the HCT 2020 target of 84.0%. Beginning 2011, due to changes to the BRFSS weighing methodology, comparison between data collected in 2011 and later and that from 2010 and earlier should be made with caution. 

Connecticut (CT) has participated in state-added oral health questions in the BRFSS in 1990’s. BRFSS is an ongoing state-based, randomly sampled telephone surveys that collects state data about CT residents regarding their health related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions as well as use of preventive services. The survey asks oral health questions: whether respondent had visited a dentist, dental clinic or dental specialists for any reason in the past year; whether respondents ever had any of their permanent teeth extracted. 

Unfortunately, in Connecticut, nearly 1 in 5 (approximately 623,000) adults ages 18 and over did not have dental visit for any reason in the past year. Limited and infrequent access to dental care contributes to poor oral health, postponed oral health care can often lead to more difficult dental and systemic health problems, as well as higher costs for performing and paying for services. 

[i]. Connecticut Department of Public Health, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2012- 2018). 

These data are current as of April 2022. Anticipated date for next data update: December 2023.

Connecticut Department of Public Health; Connecticut Department of Social Services; Connecticut Department of Developmental Services; State Department of Education; Office of Healthcare Reform and Innovation; State Department on Aging Long Term Care Ombudsman Program; University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine; Other Schools of Dental Medicine and Dental Hygiene; local public health agencies; American Dental Association; Health Care Facilities and Providers; Professional Dentistry and Dental Hygiene Associations; Dental Insurance Providers; Organizations and Coalitions Focused on Oral Health; Community Service Providers serving children, older adults, and under served populations; Faith‐Based Organizations; Philanthropic and Research Organizations that address oral health.

Most oral diseases are preventable with simple interventions such as regular brushing and flossing, consumption of fluoridated water and regular dental visit. People who have the least access to preventive services and dental treatment have greater rates of oral diseases. Research shows a connection between poor oral health and many chronic disease and impacts quality of life. Public health interventions should promote that all adults seek preventive dental care at least once yearly. Increasing the proportion of children, adolescents, and adults who used the oral health care system in the past year is a Leading Health Indicator in Healthy People (HP) 2020.

Advocacy and Policy

1) Ensure that a competent workforce, including dental and non‐dental providers meet the oral health needs of Connecticut residents.

2) Raise awareness and educate the public and decision makers regarding the science and efficacy of policies to improve the oral health of Connecticut residents and implement or enforce existing policies.

Communications, Education and Training

1) Increase oral health literacy and promote the value of good oral health for all Connecticut residents.

2) Identify and support policies to ensure a strong and sustainable oral health workforce to anticipate and meet the oral health needs of Connecticut residents.

Connecticut, per capita spending on dental services was $469 million in 2014.[i] Research indicates a correlation between poor oral health and chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.[ii] Poor oral health also impacts individual’s ability to talk, eat as well as quality of life. Many of these oral diseases may be prevented with regular dental care. 

This indicator is part of the Healthy Connecticut 2020 (HCT 2020) State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) that documents the health status of Connecticut residents and an indicator within area priority area for Coordinated Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Plan.

The HP 2020, a compendium of indicators selected by the federal government to track the nation’s progress towards year 2020 public health objectives identified oral health as a priority area. The Connecticut Oral Health Surveillance System (COHSS) is a state-based oral health surveillance designed for monitoring the oral health of CT population.  

[i]. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary, National Health Statistics Group. [National Health Expenditure Data: Health Expenditures by State of Residence], June 2017.
[ii]. Susan O. Griffin, Judith A. Jones, Diane Brunson, Paul M. Griffin, and William D. Bailey. (n.d.). Burden of Oral Disease Among Older Adults and Implications for Public Health Priorities. American Journal of Public Health: March 2012, Vol. 102(No. 3), pp. 411-418.