Trends in Dental Utilization Among Young Children in the United States, 1996-2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine national trends and demographic associations with dental utilization among young children over 20 years (1996 to 2016). Methods: Data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey from 1996 to 2016 was used to estimate nationally representative rates of dental utilization among children. Results: From 1996 to 2016, the largest relative increases in dental utilization were seen among zero- to one-year-olds (odds ratio equals 6.20) and two- to three-year-olds (odds ratio equals 2.15), whereas older age groups had smaller relative increases (all odds ratios equal less than 1.5). However, in 2016, only 5.3 percent of zero- to one-year-olds and 31.0 percent of two- to three-year-olds visited a dentist. Conclusion: Despite large relative increases in dental utilization among zero- to three-year-olds, a vast majority of these children do not visit a dentist, suggesting that guidelines on establishing a dental home by age one are not adequately implemented.