Dental Care Utilization Among Children Aged 1–17 Years: United States, 2019 and 2020

This data brief uses data from the 2019-2020 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to describe changes in the prevalence of dental examinations or cleanings among children aged 1-17 years. This data refers to preventive dental care during this period. The survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics indicates that between 2019-2020 the percentage of children who had a dental examination or cleaning in the prior 12 months had decreased among children living in families with lower incomes. When assessing trends by region, in 2020, the percentage of children receiving dental examinations or cleanings was highest in the West followed by the Midwest, Northeast, and South.