The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare partners with the Federal Centers for Disease Control to collect and publish Idaho public health information. The study is designed to provide estimates of the prevalence of chronic diseases and health-related behaviors. Respondents were polled in 2011 and the results were released this year. Here are some key findings associated with dental visits and dental insurance:
Preventive Behaviors
34% of Idaho adults had not visited a dentist in the past 12 months. It’s a pretty similar story across the country with the national average being approximately 33%. The study also found that men were more likely to skip dental visits.
Dental Benefits
Nearly half of all Idaho adults did not have dental coverage. The study reports that not having dental insurance was associated with being a senior, or being unemployed, or not being a college graduate.
Takeaways:
If you have dental insurance be sure to use it because most plans cover routine preventive visits each year, which include cleanings, exams, x-rays, and fluoride treatments.
If you’re one of the 48% who does not have dental insurance, there are options. You can explore affordable individual and family plans at deltadentalid.me. This is a good solution for students, stay-at-home moms, retirees, or even employed folks whose company doesn’t offer dental benefits.
