QuickStats: Time Since Last Dental Visit* by Children Aged 2–17 Years, by Age Group — National Health Interview Survey,† United States, 2012

* Based on response to the question, "About how long has it been since [child's name] last saw a dentist? Include all types of dentists, such as orthodontists, oral surgeons, and all other dental specialists, as well as dental hygienists."

† Estimates were based on household interviews of a sample of the noninstitutionalized U.S. civilian population and are derived from the National Health Interview Survey sample child component.

§ 95% confidence interval.

During 2012, approximately 69% of children aged 5–17 years had a dental visit in the past 6 months; among children aged 2–4 years, the percentage with a dental visit was 45%. Approximately 19% of those aged 5–17 years and 12% of those aged 2–4 years had a visit >6 months to =1 year before. Approximately 40% of those aged 2–4 years and 5% of those aged 5–17 years had not had a dental visit in >2 years or had never seen a dentist.   

Source: Bloom B, Jones LI, Freeman G. Summary health statistics for U.S. children: National Health Interview Survey, 2012. Vital Health Stat 2013;10(258).

Reported by: Lindsey Jones, MPH, izf4@cdc.gov, 301-458-4548; Barbara Bloom, MPA; Gulnur Freeman, MPA.

Alternate Text: The figure above shows time since last dental visit by children aged 2-17 years, by age group, in the United States during 2012. During 2012, approximately 69% of children aged 5-17 years had a dental visit in the past 6 months; among children aged 2-4 years, the percentage with a dental visit was 45%. About 19% of those aged 5-17 years and 12% of those aged 2-4 years had a visit >6 months to =1 year before. About 40% of those aged 2-4 years and 5% of those aged 5-17 years had not had a dental visit in >2 years or had never seen a dentist.