Comparing dental utilization of U.S. Army soldiers with their employed civilian cohorts

In fall 1992, a random, worldwide sample of 5474 enlisted and 4036 officer, active duty, U.S. Army personnel was surveyed on dental utilization. Overall survey response rate was 62%. After weighting the data to reflect the population, dental utilization rates of military personnel were compared with their employed civilian cohorts in the U.S. population. Results show that, regardless of race or gender, over 80% of U.S. Army personnel have seen a dentist within the past year. Controlling for age, gender, and race, active duty U.S. Army personnel have dental utilization rates that greatly exceed their employed civilian cohorts. The results suggest that access barriers to dental care present in the civilian population, especially for minorities, are greatly diminished in the U.S. Army. The results suggest that access to free care may be a potent stimulus to utilization of dental services among military or civilian personnel. Further, access to free dental care should be emphasized in recruiting and retaining U.S. military personnel.