Participants should be aware of the following financial/non-financial relationships: . Maria P. Yanes, Pursuing in BS (Biology): I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Payal Kahar, PhD, MPH: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.
Abstract: Objective: To examine the utilization of professional dental care among U.S. college students.
Methods: Data were requested from the American College Health Association, National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA II and III) on dental visits (exam/cleanings) in the last year and demographic questions. Chi-square tests were used to examine the distribution of dental visits by demographic characteristics.
Results: The total number of students surveyed from fall 2015 to spring 2021 was 618,283. Nearly 72% of the total students surveyed reported dental visit in the last 12 months. However, dental visits decreased significantly from first (79.7%) to fifth year (60%) undergraduates (χ2=15172.9; p= .000). Female students (72.7%) reported a higher percentage of dental visits than males (68.5%) and other gender identities (χ2=1909.1; p=.000). Only 54.3% of international students had dental visit in the last year (χ2=8606.7; p=0.00). Students at 4 year schools (71.4%) had a higher percentage of dental visits compared to 2-year schools (66.4%) (χ2=336.6; p=.000). At Hispanic serving institutions, 63.3% of student visited the dentist. White students reported the highest percentage of dental visits (75.9%) followed by 65.5% American Indian, 64.1% Asian/Pacific Islander, 63.8% Hispanic/Latinos and 61% black students, the differences being statistically significant.
Conclusion: The average percentage of dental visits (72%) in the last six years has dropped compared to the average of 76.6% in 2000-2013 ACHA-NCHA survey. Dental visits before and during COVD-19 stayed relatively steady. Dental care disparities in minority groups indicate the need for educational programs that inform students on the importance of preventative dental care.
