Increase use of the oral health care system — OH‑08

This objective is a Leading Health Indicator (LHI). Learn about LHIs.

Status: Target met or exceeded

  
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Target met or exceeded

Most Recent Data:
46.2 percent (2018) *

Target:
45.0 percent  *

Desired Direction:
Increase desired

Baseline:
43.3 percent of children, adolescents, and adults used the oral health care system in 2016  *

Age adjusted to the year 2000 standard population.

Increase the proportion of children, adolescents, and adults who use the oral health care system

Target-Setting Method
Minimal statistical significance

Summary

Oral diseases cause pain and disability for millions of people in the United States, and some are linked to other diseases — like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Regular visits to the dentist can help prevent oral diseases and related problems, but most people haven’t been to the dentist in the last year. Strategies to make it easier for people to get dental care are critical for better oral health and overall health outcomes.

Workgroup: Oral Health Workgroup