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J Dent Educ. 68(10): 1081-1089 2004
© 2004 American Dental Education Association
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Critical Issues in Dental Education

Factors Influencing Use of Dental Services in Rural and Urban Communities: Considerations for Practitioners in Underserved Areas

Lisa J. Heaton, M.S.; Timothy A. Smith, Ph.D.; Ted P. Raybould, D.M.D.

Ms. Heaton is a Graduate Student in Clinical Psychology, Departments of Psychology and Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky; Dr. Smith is a Professor, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine; and Dr. Raybould is a Professor, General Dentistry and Preventive Medicine, and Director, General Practice Residency and Adult Special Patient Care, University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. Direct correspondence and requests for reprints to Dr. Ted Raybould, A-219 Kentucky Clinic, College of Dentistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0284; 859-323-6513 phone; 859-323-2036 fax; tprayb1{at}email.uky.edu.

Key words: dental health surveys, dental health services, anxiety, health services accessibility

Submitted for publication 05/17/04; accepted 07/19/04

Individuals’ utilization of dental services depends upon an array of factors, including access to care, financial restrictions, attitudes toward dental care, and dental fear. These factors, in turn, may vary across geographic locations and demographic groups. The goals of this study were to assess the use of dental services in both rural and urban areas of Kentucky and to examine challenges facing practitioners in rural areas. Individuals sampled from a rural population and patients in rural and urban dental clinics completed questionnaires about use of dental services, self-rated dental health, and dental fear. While these variables were strongly interrelated, differences emerged across locations. Patients in the urban area reported having more dental insurance but not better dental health. Patients in more rural areas reported seeking more emergency dental treatment but not more dental fear. While these factors are important considerations across locations, dental practitioners in rural areas in particular should be aware of barriers to dental care facing individuals in these areas. They have unique opportunities to provide education to their patients regarding the importance of dental care and the role of oral health in overall physical health.




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