Table 2.
Population characteristics: dental group versus nondental group
| Measure | Dental group (n = 5216) | Nondental group (n = 5216) | p value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demographics | |||
| Age, years (mean ± SD)a | 57.0 ± 14.2 | 57.2 ± 14.5 | 0.31 |
| Male, no. (%) | 2131 (40.9) | 2118 (40.6) | 0.80 |
| White (vs nonwhite), no. (%) | 4485 (86.0) | 4473 (85.8) | 0.74 |
| Low socioeconomic status, no. (%)b | 949 (18.2) | 945 (18.1) | 0.90 |
| Health status/comorbidities, no. (%)c | |||
| Diabetes | 926 (17.8) | 949 (18.2) | 0.56 |
| Current smoker | 437 (8.4) | 425 (8.2) | 0.67 |
| Periodontal risk measured | |||
| Low | 3913 (75.0) | 3895 (74.7) | 0.68 |
| Moderate/high | 1303 (25.0) | 1268 (24.3) | |
| Obesity status | |||
| BMI > 30 kg/m2 (obese),e no. (%) | 2318 (44.4) | 2381 (45.7) | 0.17 |
| Charlson Comorbidity Index score, no. (%) | |||
| 0–1 | 4266 (81.8) | 4210 (80.7) | 0.16 |
| 2+ | 950 (18.2) | 1006 (19.3) | |
| Utilization measures, no. (%)c | |||
| 1 primary care visit | 1694 (32.5) | 1736 (33.3) | 0.38 |
| 2+ primary care visits | 3522 (67.5) | 3480 (66.7) | |
| ED utilization (1+ visits) | 786 (15.1) | 773 (14.8) | 0.72 |
| Hospital admissions (1+ admissions) | 378 (7.3) | 350 (6.7) | 0.28 |
a
Age calculated as of September 1, 2011.
b
Low socioeconomic status defined as more than 20% of member census bloc: with less than 12th grade education or below the federal poverty level.
c
Measures assessed between September 1, 2011, and August 31, 2012.
d
Low periodontal risk = nonsmoker and diabetes mellitus (DM); moderate/high periodontal risk = smoker and/or DM.
e
Body mass index (BMI) assessment was as close as possible to September 1, 2009, with 2-year lookback window.
ED = Emergency Department; SD = standard deviation.