Dental visiting patterns of Finns and Swedes in Sweden, 1976–1980

Abstract

Information on treatment provided to a random (cluster) sample of all adult patients treated under the dental insurance scheme in Sweden since 1974 is stored at the National Social Insurance Board (NSIB). In this study the use of dental services by settled Finnish immigrants and Swedes over a 5-year period (1976–80) was compared, using this information. The material consisted of 1152 17- to 64-year-old Finnish immigrants, selected in accordance with the same criteria as the NSIB sample, registered on the population register of Stockholm county in 1975 and still on the register in 1982, and a comparison group of individually matched Swedes. Standard NSIB computer programs and a special program for recurrent use of dental services in 1976–79 were used. Because of regulations on confidentiality of personal information, comparisons were based on inter-group differences. Each year about 40% of Finnish immigrants and 50% of Swedes had been to a dentist. In both groups women visited a dentist more frequently. The proportion of persons in the different groups who had used dental services in the period 1976–80 varied only slightly from year to year. In the 4-year period 1976–79, 74% of Finnish immigrants and 87% of Swedes in the studied groups had been to a dentist at least once. Significantly more Swedes than Finnish immigrants had seen a dentist annually. Of those who had been to a dentist, a significantly greater proportion of Finnish immigrants than Swedes had received acute treatment and dentures. Mean patient charge was higher for Finnish groups than Swedish in all years, and more Finnish immigrants than Swedes exceeded the threshold for increased payment support. Use of dental services in Sweden by Finnish immigrants was fairly stable over the period studied and was lower than use by Swedes from the comparison group.

Key Words:

• Comprehensive dental care
• immigrants
• national health statistics