Abstract

KRAMER, Paulo Floriani et al. Use of dental services by preschool children in Canela, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Cad. Saúde Pública [online]. 2008, vol.24, n.1, pp. 150-156. ISSN 0102-311X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X2008000100015.

The aim of this study was to assess the use of dental services and age at first dental visit in preschool children in Canela, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A representative sample of under-five children was surveyed on National Children's Vaccination Day. Children's parents completed questionnaires containing socio-demographic data and age at first dental visit. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. 192 children were examined. 13.3% of the sample had already visited the dentist at least once, but only 4.3% had their first dental visit by one year of age. The number of children who had already visited a dentist increased with age. Girls showed higher odds of having visited a dentist (OR = 1.46; 95%CI: 1.01-2.1). Public health strategies are needed to determine the effectiveness of health promotion and improve the use of dental services by preschool children.

Keywords : Child; Dental Health Services; Health Services Accessibility.