Description

For persons who had at least one dental visit in the past two weeks, DENTOTHR is a residual category, capturing visits to a dentist for types of treatment not specified in the survey. In all years, respondents are asked directly about visits for examinations, cleanings, bridge work, dentures, x-rays, extraction, oral surgery, fillings, fluoride treatment, gum treatment, and teeth straightening. Information on caps and crowns and root canals is available beginning in 1983.

This question is available periodically since 1971 as part of the Dental Care supplement. For related variables or more information about this supplement, please use the IPUMS NHIS search function and drop-down menus or see DEN2WNO.

Comparability

Changes in the sampling universe may affect comparability over time. For example, in 1971, persons who reported no dental visits in the past two weeks were assigned a value of 0 on DENTOTHR. In 1983, they are coded as not in universe.

In addition, the 1983 survey asked about more categories of treatment than the 1971 survey, including specific questions about visits for crowns and caps (DENTCROWN) and root canals (DENTROOTC). In 1971, respondents would have probably included these procedures in DENTOTHR.

Universe

Availability

• 1971, 1983

Weights

• 1971, 1983 : PERWEIGHT