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Background. Understanding preventive dental visit utilization patterns facilitates planning of the dental health services delivery system. The authors examine these patterns by analyzing the receipt of preventive dental services in the United States by type of dental provider.

Methods. The authors analyzed data from the 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) for the U.S. community- based population. They developed national estimates for the population with preventive dental visits by provider type, including the population with a preventive dental visit and mean number of preventive dental visits per person for socioeconomic and demographic categories.

Results. Respondents who are white, are older, are female, have dental insurance, are from higher income and education backgrounds, and reside in small metropolitan areas were more likely (P < .05) to receive preventive care from a dental hygienist than from a dentist.

Conclusion. MEPS data showed that people’s socioeconomic background and other demographic factors were associated with having a preventive dental visit with a dentist or dental hygienist. These factors also influence the per-person number of preventive visits by type of dental practitioner. These elements must be considered when planning for future dental work force needs.

Practice Implications. Estimating future dental work force needs through this analysis assists dentists in meeting patient demand and maximizing the productive output of all services rendered in their practices, including preventive services.

Key Words: Preventive dental care; dental care utilization; dental care providers

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