Description

For sample adults and sample children ages 2-17 who have not seen the dentist in at least 12 months, DENOTHER is a residual category indicating that the person did not seek dental care for a reason not specified in the survey. DENOTHER captures reasons that do not fall in the following categories: being afraid, being nervous, needles, the cost or a lack of insurance, not knowing a dentist, dentist too far, can't get to a dentist, no problems with teeth, has no teeth, not important to see dentist, or didn't think of seeing dentist. Beginning in 1999, DENOTHER also excludes children who do not see a dentist because they are too young.

This variable is included periodically as part of the Dental Care supplement. For related variables and more information about this supplement, please use the IPUMS NHIS search function and drop-down menus, or see DENTINT.

Comparability

The universe changed slightly over time. In 1989, this question was asked of all persons ages 2 and older who had not seen a dentist in at least 12 months. In 1999, this question was asked only of sample adults and sample children who met these criteria.

Universe

Availability

• 1989, 1999

Weights

• 1989 : PERWEIGHT
• 1999 : SAMPWEIGHT