Factors Associated With Preventive Dental Service Use in Older Korean-American Residents in Subsidized Senior Housing: Looking Beyond Dental Insurance

Abstract

Guided by Andersen's behavioral health model, this study examined factors associated with preventive dental service utilization among older Korean-American residents in subsidized senior housing in Los Angeles. All participants were enrolled in Medi-Cal, allowing investigation beyond dental insurance. We focused on predisposing (age, sex, marital status, and socioeconomic status), need (perception of worsening oral health), and enabling factors (acculturation, family network, usual place for dental care, and physical health check-up). Data from 318 participants were analyzed using logistic regression. Results showed that approximately half utilized preventive dental services within the same period. Perception of worsening oral health, acculturation, having a usual place for dental care, and receiving a physical health check-up in the past year were associated with higher odds of using preventive dental services. With low rates of use among older ethnic immigrants with dental insurance, enhancing acculturation, expanding healthcare access, and promoting routine dental check-ups could improve utilization.

Keywords: health services accessibility; immigration; older Korean Americans; oral health; preventive dental service utilization.