The use of dental services on a regular basis in the population of Montes Claros in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil/ Uso de servicos odontologicos de forma regular na populacao de Montes Claros, MG, Brasil

• Published in: Ciência & saude coletiva 2017-12, Vol.22 (12), p.4135
• Main Authors: Barreiro, Danilo Lima, Souza, Joao Gabriel Silva, Coutinho, Wagner Luiz Mineiro, Ferreira, Raquel Conceicao, Ferreira, Efigenia Ferreira e, de Barros Lima Martins, Andrea Maria Eleuterio
• Format: Article
• Language: Spanish
• ISSN: 1413-8123; 1678-4561
• DOI: 10.1590/1413-812320172212.04492016

The use of dental services on a regular basis by residents of Montes Claros (MG) was assessed, as well as related aspects. Cross-sectional study was conducted with a complex probabilistic sample by conglomerates. Logistic regression was used (OR/CI95%) with a significance level of 5. Of the 2582 study participants, 761 required and obtained access to the services for less than a year. Of these, 262 (35.8%) used the services in a regular/routine manner. The use of dental services on a regular basis was greatest among individuals in the age group "[greater than or equal to] 18 [less than or equal to] 37"; with schooling "equal to or greater than 9 years"; who classified their oral health, general health and appearance of teeth and gums as "excellent/good"; who reported no pain" on teeth and gums over the last six months; They reported that the "assistance provider had adequate skills"; that they "always/often" received information about oral hygiene and diet/nutrition. In addition, this use was lower among those who rated the time to ask questions about the dental problem or treatment as "regular/bad/terrible." The conclusion drawn is that the use of dental services on a regular basis was relatively low, being associated with personal traits, subjective health conditions and characteristics related to the services.