Dental health in rural Victoria: The Crossroads Household Survey

Background: The aims of this study were to describe dental health and perceived barriers to dental care in a regional centre and surrounding smaller towns in rural Victoria. Methods: A stratified, randomized, face-to-face household survey was undertaken to assess levels of edentulism and access to oral health services. A study response rate of 70.3 per cent (6316/9260) was achieved. Results: When compared with those in the regional centre, people living in the shire capitals were more likely to travel greater distances to see a dentist and were less likely to have seen a dentist within the past 12 months. While there was little difference in the edentulous proportion living in shire capitals compared with the regional centre, the level of edentulousness over the entire region was greater than overall Australian estimates. Differences in perceived barriers to care within the region were less than expected. Existing perceived barriers were lack of need, time until available appointments, attitudes of dentists and lack of public dental facilities. Differences in these barriers existed between socioeconomic groups. Conclusions: This study shows that the prevalence of edentulism was higher in the areas studied relative to the Australian population. Significant patient perceived barriers to care exist which may contribute to the problem.