Summary

  • Declining frequency of dental visits with increasing age.
  • Use of dental services for problem rather than check-up increases with age.
  • Majority have low DMFT but 10-15% could be regarded as high risk.
  • Precavitated lesions in 47.7% and cavitated lesions in 28.4% young adults indicate significant needs for preventive and restorative care.
  • Low prevalence of gum (periodontal) health and high prevalence of calculus in young adults may reflect lower rates of dental utilisation.
  • These results for the young adults represent the oral health of metropolitan, fluoridated Adelaide and are likely to be an underrepresentation of the oral health needs of this age group nationally.