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Response from a disadvantaged, rural population to a subsidized dental program
Author(s) -
HELÖE LEIF ARNE
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
european journal of oral sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.802
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1600-0722
pISSN - 0909-8836
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0722.1971.tb02038.x
Subject(s) - disadvantaged , residence , population , dentures , medicine , subsidy , welfare , dental care , family medicine , rural population , gerontology , demography , dentistry , environmental health , economic growth , sociology , political science , law , economics
– The present report deals with the first part of an investigation concerning the dental treatment in a disadvantaged, rural population in Norway. A state‐supported dental program was introduced, and the response of the recipients was recorded. In a community of 5,214 inhabitants (Nord‐Odal) all persons (280) between 20–60 years of age receiving economic support under different welfare programs were sent a short questionnaire and an accompanying letter offering subsidized dental services. After a follow‐up letter, remaining non‐respondents were visited in their homes for collection of the questionnaires. Finally, completely or partially answered questionnaires totalled 265, representing 97 % of all recipients excluding 7 with residence outside the community. Of the respondents, 78 % agreed to participate in the program, 12 % refused, and 10 % were uncertain. In general, those who refused were most likely to be found in the oldest age group and among people with a minimum income. Persons wearing dentures in both jaws refused the program more frequently than did persons with 15 or more teeth. The most common reason for refusing participation was satisfaction with their present dental condition.