The Association between OHRQoL and Dental Care Attendance

Methods: A cross-sectional purposive cluster sample of 344 elderly underprivileged people aged 60 and older, 200 attending a dental clinic (AC) and 144 not attending (NAC), comprised the study population. Study was conducted at community–based dental clinic and three geriatric day centers. The dependent variable was dental clinic attendance. The 14-item version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) index was employed (validated for Hebrew) as the independent variable, together with other controlling variables. A structured interview, including collection of demographic variables, was conducted by a dental assistant and a dental examination was performed by a dentist.

Results: The average OHIP-14 score was 10.43 (SD=10.64), and was 10.14 (SD=10.51) for the AC as compared to 10.79 (SD=10.82) for the NAC population (p=0.59). In a multiple logistic regression model, controlling for other independent variables, the OHIP-14 score was not statistically significant (OR=0.94; p=0.851). The AC group demonstrated higher levels of living at home, higher income, being married and being cared for by family members.

Conclusion: An association between oral health related quality of life and dental clinic attendance was not demonstrated. Further research is required to fully determine the relevant factors which provide motivation for elderly people to attend dental clinics.