Oral Health Care Utililization of Thai Elderly: Analysis of the 2023 Health and Welfare Survey Data

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the utilization of oral health services among the Thai elderly, the relationship between the utilization of services by the Thai elderly and socio-demographic factors and the factors influencing the access to dental services among the elderly and household heads.   Methods: Data were obtained from the 2023 Health and Welfare Survey, which employed a nationally representative, weighted sample. This cross-sectional survey was conducted by the National Statistical Office and interviewed 28,960 households across Thailand between March 1–31, 2023. The dataset was analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and multiple linear regression. Results: Dental service utilization among Thai elderly was found to be low, with only 6.48% of respondents reporting use of dental services within the 12 months prior to the interview. The data indicated that individuals aged 60–79 years had higher service utilization rates compared to those aged 80–98 years, both in terms of frequency and types of services received. The most common dental services were tooth extraction, scaling, and fillings. Private clinics were the most frequently utilized healthcare facilities, followed by general hospitals and community hospitals. Regarding costs, most elderly incurred either no out-of-pocket expenses or low costs, with the majority using the National Health Security Scheme. However, many insured individuals did not utilize services due to long waiting times, service delays, and limited benefit coverage. Conclusion: Logistic regression analysis indicated that sex, region of residence, relationship to the household head, welfare entitlements, and prior utilization of oral health promotion and prevention services were significantly associated with dental service use. Elderly individuals with social security or civil servant welfare benefits were more likely to access dental services compared to those covered by the Universal Coverage Scheme or those without any coverage.