Definition:
Percent of adults who visited the dentist in the last 12 months.

Why is this important:
The American Dental Association recommends that individuals visit the dentist at least two times per year. Dental check-ups allow the dentist to clean the teeth, identify any oral health problems, and provide education on improving or maintaining good oral health.

Where are we:
In 2008 in Spokane County, 74% of adults reported they had visited the dentist in last year. The proportion of adults visiting the dentist significantly increased from 2006 to 2008. Spokane County had a similar proportion of adults visiting the dentist in the last year as that of Washington State and the U.S.

Health Disparities:
Among adults in Spokane County in 2008:

• Visiting the dentist in the last year increased as education level increased.
• Visiting the dentist in the last year increased as income increased.
• There was no difference in visiting the dentist in the last year by age group, race, or between males and females.

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