Dental Visits in the Past Year - 1997, 2004, and 2005

Data are based on household interviews of a sample of the civilian noninstitutionalized population.

Starting in 1997, National Health Interview Survey respondents were asked "About how long has it been since you last saw or talked to a dentist? Include all types of dentists, such as orthodontists, oral surgeons, and all other dental specialists as well as hygienists." Starting in 2001, the question was modified slightly to ask respondents how long it had been since they last saw a dentist. Questions about dental visits were not asked for children under 2 years of age for years 1997—1999 and under 1 year of age for 2000 and beyond. Starting with 1997 data, estimates are presented for people with a dental visit in the past year. Prior to 1997, dental visit estimates were based on a 2-week recall period.

Based on the 1997-2005 National Health Interview Survey, about 25%--30% of persons 65 years and over were edentulous (having lost all of their natural teeth). In 1997—2005 about 68%--70% of older dentate persons compared with 16%--20% of older edentate persons had a dental visit in the past year.

Source: National Center for Health Statistics. Health, United States, 2007 With Chartbook on Trends in the Health of Americans. Hyattsville, MD: 2007.