Adult self-reported attendance for dental check-ups over a 16-year period in the UK

Objective To report attendance patterns for dental check-ups in UK adults over the period 1991-2008, and associated factors.Methods Participants were adults aged 16 years and over from the nationally representative British Household Panel Survey, who were interviewed annually. Prevalence of dental attendance was assessed by UK country for each survey year. Associations between dental attendance (NHS and non-NHS) and socio-demographic factors were analysed for the years 1991 and 2008, using logistic regression.Results Sample sizes ranged from 8,827 in 1995 to 18,065 in 2001. The proportion of adults who reported seeking a dental check-up increased considerably between 1991 and 2008, mainly driven by an increase in the utilisation of non-NHS dental services. The largest increase was found in the age group 65 years and over. Attendance for check-ups increased from 54.6% to 67.9% in England, from 47.9% to 65.8% in Wales and from 47.3% to 67.3% in Scotland. There were clear social gradients in dental attendance by income and education, however inequalities decreased slightly between 1991 and 2008.Conclusion This study shows increases in reported attendance for dental check-ups from 1991-2008. Non-NHS dental check-ups rose in all four countries that make up the UK. NHS dental check-ups rose in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland but not England. The socioeconomic status (SES) inequalities gradient in attendance for dental check-ups persisted throughout the study period, although a reduction was seen. These findings have major implications for policymakers in the planning of services.