Factors associated with the absence of Brazilians in specialized dental centers

Abstract

Aim To identify the individual and contextual factors associated with the absence of Brazilians at a scheduled appointment in Dental Specialties Centers (DSC). Methods This cross-sectional design uses the National Program for Improving Access and Quality of Dental Specialties Centers database, 2018. The outcome was the users' lack of at least one of the scheduled appointments. Contextual and individual independent variables were used, considering Andersen's behavioural model. The analyses were performed with the R Core Team and SAS (Studio 3.8, Institute Inc, North Carolina, U.S, 2019) programs. Results Of the 10,391 patients interviewed, 27.7% missed at least one of the consultations. In the adjusted multivariate model, the interpretation based on the effect size and 95% CI showed that the behaviour individual predisposing factors such as age ≤ 42 years (OR = 1.10; 95%CI:1.01–1.21), individual need factors such as participation in the “Bolsa Família” program (OR = 1,14; 95%CI:1.02–1.27), not being covered by the Family Health Strategy (OR = 1.15; 95% CI:1.02–1.30), and users of periodontics services (OR = 1.22;95%CI:1.05–1.40) were associated with absences. The behavioural factor associated with the outcome was that the DSC facilities were not in good condition (OR = 1.18; 95%CI:1.03–1.34). DSC located in the capital (OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 0.92–1.48) were 12% more likely to have dental absences than those in the interior region. Conclusion There are individual and contextual barriers associated with patients not attending specialised public dental consultations. DSC should offer adequate hours to patients, especially young adults and vulnerable people.

Machine learning to predict untreated dental caries in adolescents

“…It is of fundamental importance to identify adolescents with untreated dental caries to schedule an appointment in primary health care [ 24 ], especially for the most vulnerable adolescents [ 24 ]. This can help with the principle of equity in universal health coverage, giving more attention to those who need it most.…”

Leveraging machine learning to create user‐friendly models to mitigate appointment failure at dental school clinics

“…Our results are also consistent with previous studies such as that by Cunha et al, which demonstrated that patients younger than 42 years old have higher missed appointments, as well as other studies that explained that young adults are potentially less likely to miss work or school days to attend a dental or medical appointment. 35 Similarly, Nelson et al demonstrated that young caregivers (younger than 31 years of age) were more likely to miss a child's pediatric dental appointment compared to older caregivers, even with the use of SMS text message reminders. 36 Hence, a solution that could help prevent this is to offer appointments during alternative off-work schedules such as lunch breaks and weekend.…”

“…36 Hence, a solution that could help prevent this is to offer appointments during alternative off-work schedules such as lunch breaks and weekend. 35,37 Noteworthy, because many studies report age groups with different ranges, comparing results based on patient's age is challenging.…”

“…Similarly, Nelson et al demonstrated that young caregivers (younger than 31 years of age) were more likely to miss a child's pediatric dental appointment compared to older caregivers, even with the use of SMS text message reminders 36 . Hence, a solution that could help prevent this is to offer appointments during alternative off‐work schedules such as lunch breaks and weekend 35,37 . Noteworthy, because many studies report age groups with different ranges, comparing results based on patient's age is challenging.…”

Cobertura do Programa Bolsa Família e fatores associados à realização de procedimentos odontológicos no Brasil, entre 2007 e 2011: um estudo ecológico

“…De forma semelhante, esses programas poderiam influenciar o uso do serviço odontológico, mesmo que tal atendimento não faça parte das condicionalidades exigidas por alguns programas, como no caso do Bolsa Família. Evidência recente sobre o efeito de programas de transferência de renda é inconclusiva, no entanto, indica que o uso de serviços odontológico parece não aumentar 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 .…”