Abstract
Objective
To examine predisposing, enabling, and need-related factors associated with dental utilization by children involved with the child welfare system (CWS).
Methods
Data were analyzed from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW; Wave II), a national probability sample of children (2–17 years) following a welfare assessment during 2008–2009 (n = 2806). Caregiver-reported child receipt of dental services in the past year was the outcome in weighted logistic regression models.
Results
Two-thirds of children had a recent dental visit. Older children (OR 2.95, 95% CI 2.06,4.21 for ages 6–11; OR 2.47, CI 1.82, 3.37 for ages 12–17, compared to ages 2–5) were more likely to have visited the dentist, as were children of more educated caregivers (OR 1.68; CI 1.20, 2.36 for high school, OR 2.45; CI 1.71, 3.52 for more than high school). Children without a usual source of care (OR 0.50; CI 0.27, 0.94) and those living with non-biological parents had lower odds of a recent visit (OR 0.64; CI 0.43, 0.97). Children with dental problems were twice as likely to have a recent visit (OR 2.02; CI 1.21, 3.38), while children with unmet needs who could not afford care had lower odds of utilizing services (OR 0.28; CI 0.16, 0.46).
Conclusions for Practice
Many children in the CWS, especially younger children (ages 2–5), did not have a reported dental visit in the past year. Cost was a barrier, and caregiver status was associated with the likelihood of obtaining dental care. Health and social service providers should refer these children for dental care.
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Acknowledgements
The National Survey on Child and Adolescent Well-Being was developed under contract with the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (ACYF/DHHS). The data have been provided by the National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect. The information and opinions expressed herein reflect solely the position of the authors.
Funding
Funding was provided by National Institute on Drug Abuse (Grant No. R03 DA032863-01) to Dr. Chuang.
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Finlayson, T.L., Chuang, E., Baek, JD. et al. Dental Service Utilization Among Children in the Child Welfare System. Matern Child Health J 22, 753–761 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-018-2444-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-018-2444-y