Dental care utilization patterns of older adults

Patient data from 34981 visits to general dentistry practices in Minnesota were categorized by age group, gender, reason for visit, source of payment, procedures or services performed, and by a monetary measure of productivity. Utilization patterns of older adults were compiled and compared with those of younger age groups. Based on the information from this study, three conclusions can be drawn. First, persons aged 60 and older are not underutilizers of dental care. Second, there are differences in utilization patterns between older adults and persons in younger age groups. Finally, patient visits by older adults generate on the average more income per visit than do visits by younger people.