Focus Area #3: Access to Dental Health Services
Percentage of Nebraska adults 18 and older who report having their teeth cleaned during the past 12 months
Current Value
68.2%
Definition
Story Behind the Curve
This graph indicates the percent of Nebraska adults who actually utilize the dental health care system for annual preventive services.
Nebraska BRFSS data results indicate that from 2002-2010 the percentage of adults 18 and over receiving annual teeth cleanings has decreased from 76.1% to 68.2%. Updated data for this measure will be available in 2016 as this questions has been added back onto the BRFSS survey.
How We Impact
Annual preventive visits are key to reducing dental tooth and gum disease. Annual patient dental cleanings are also an important measure of access to dental care. A 2013 study from the ADA tracked adults based on income levels. It found that 70% of the people earning over $30,000 has visited a dentist in the past year, while only half (52%) earning under $30,000 had. An access to care “dental divide” definitely exists between high and low income groups.
Source:
1. American Dental Association. The Dental Divide in America. Retrieved Data 03/03/2015. Available at: http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Public Programs/F....
Clear Impact Suite is an easy-to-use, web-based software platform that helps your staff collaborate with external stakeholders and community partners by utilizing the combination of data collection, performance reporting, and program planning.