Methods: For this secondary analysis, the 2007 CHIS adolescent questionnaire was used, based on a random digit dialing telephone survey. All interviews were conducted with a household adult. In those households with adolescents (12-17), one adolescent was randomly selected.
Results: A total of 3,638 adolescents participated in the 2007 CHIS (1,227 of Latino descent and 393 of Asian descent). The overall prevalence of dental visits within 6 months was 2,672 (73%); within a year, 615 (17%); and greater than a year, 318 (9%). Of all visits, 2,745 (75%) were preventive. Adolescents with dental insurance were more likely to have had a past-year dental visit. Nearly 85.5% of Latino teens had a dental visit within one year, 76% of which were preventive visits and 68.8% involved dental insurance coverage. Amongst Asian teens, 90.1% had a dental visit within one year, 75.8% of which were preventive visits, and 74.5% involved dental insurance. These two groups were compared to White teens, among whom 92.6% had a dental visit within a year, 75.8% of which were preventive visits, and 78.4% involved dental insurance.
Conclusion: White teens had the highest prevalence of having had a dental visit within a year, and were more likely to have dental insurance, followed by Asian and Latino teens. The prevalence of preventive dental visits was similar amongst White, Asian, and Latino teens.