Dental health service utilization among older adults receiving home care services in south-eastern Norway

OBJECTIVE: To map dental health service utilization (DSU) and associated factors among older adults receiving home care services (HCS) in south-eastern Norway, using Andersen's model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study of older adults receiving HCS aged ≥ 65 years, data on oral health practices, general health, and predisposing, enabling, and need-based factors were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Of 116 participants (mean age 83, 53.6% female), 67.2% reported annual DSU, while 24.1% used dental health services only for acute problems. Although 95.6% were entitled to free dental care in the public dental service (PDS), 66 were aware of this, and 56.5% made use of their rights. Awareness of entitlements was associated with more frequent PDS use. A higher self-reported number of teeth and using private dental services were also linked to higher DSU. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed underutilization of dental health services among older adults receiving HCS and unawareness of entitlement of their rights in PDS. However, higher self-reported number of teeth and use of private dental services were linked to more frequent DSU. To address underuse, the PDS should improve awareness of entitlements, enhance information delivery, and further investigate reasons for non-utilization.