Utilization of dental services in old age

Abstract

Regular utilization of dental services helps to improve and maintain oral and general health, even in old age. However, utilization behavior for dental services changes with age: preventive utilization behavior is often replaced by a symptom-driven one. With age, a decrease in the utilization of dental services can be observed, whilst the frequency of contact with physicians increases. The present review describes the current knowledge regarding the utilization of dental services in old age (frequency, reasons for non-utilization, modifying factors). The reasons for non-utilization of dental services are multidimensional: subjective reasons and other objective modifying factors can be distinguished. The frequency of utilization also differs with personal context and attitude. On the basis of the available evidence no conclusive explanation could be provided. A checklist should allow dental practitioners to monitor the factors that affect the utilization of services within their own dental office.