Researchers at George Mason University’s School of Public Health report that college students who receive regular dental checkups also exhibit broader health behaviors, such as maintaining health insurance more often and reporting better overall health.
In a campus news release released on September 22, the research team also noted that students with higher levels of anxiety were more likely to avoid preventive care visits.
The study is part of a long-term university project tracking the health and behavior patterns of undergraduate students. Since 2019, participants have completed questionnaires multiple times, and some have also received physical exams.
The analysis reviewed data from 349 first-year students in this cohort, and researchers provided feedback on health outcomes.
The study found that students who received a dental checkup before enrolling were more likely to continue with follow-up dental visits two years later. The study also found that having health insurance was a strong predictor of receiving dental checkups. Furthermore, students who received one type of preventive checkup were more likely to receive other types of dental care.
The study also showed that students who received regular dental visits, received more parental financial support, and were more optimistic tended to have more positive self-assessments of their overall health.
Despite the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the study found that dental visit rates remained generally stable. The research team emphasized the complex relationship between anxiety and health-care behaviors: mild anxiety can sometimes prompt students to seek care, while high anxiety can lead to avoidance.
Study leader Vanessa Alvarez, a master’s student in public health epidemiology, said, “When students develop a habit of regular dental visits, this habit seems to permeate their broader health management.”
The research team stated that future studies will further examine other health trends among students, including utilization of gynecological care, changes in diet and exercise after the COVID-19 pandemic, and long-term trends in mental health patterns.