Factors associated with utilization of dental services in a long-term care facility: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Purpose: To describe factors associated with the utilization of dental services in a long-term care facility (LTCF) in Western New York. Methods and materials: A descriptive cross-sectional study reviewed the dental and medical records of residents of an LTCF discharged between January 1, 2008 and December 30, 2012. Information on demographic and health variables at admission was extracted from electronic health records. Information on oral health variables was extracted from patient charts. Results: A total of 2,516 residents were discharged between 2008 and 2012. From those, 259 (10.3%) utilized dental services at least once during their stay. Those who utilized dental services were significantly older at admission (78.5 vs. 82.0 years, p < 0.001), stayed longer (1.6 vs. 3.9 years, p < 0.001), more likely to be female (63.6 vs. 75.6%, p = 0.008), and less likely to be married (37.7 vs. 14.0%, p = < 0.001) compared to those who did not. Patients with endocrine, nutritional, metabolic, and immunity disorders, mental disorders, and circulatory system diseases were more likely to receive dental services. Conclusions: Dental services appear to be underutilized by residents of LTCF. Significant differences exist in demographic and health variables between residents who utilize these services compared to those who do not.