Summary
- Edentulism was more prevalent among Australian-born residents than among residents born overseas.
- Self-reported dental health status was similar for all ethnic backgrounds but was significantly worse for cardholders than non-cardholders.
- Cardholders born overseas who mainly spoke a language other than English were less likely to have recently visited a dentist than other residents, and had the lowest level of dental insurance coverage.
- Of residents that made a dental visit in the last 12 months, those who mainly spoke a language other than English reported less problem-oriented visiting and were less likely to have had an extraction or filling.
- Overseas-born residents who wore a partial or full denture were more likely to report difficulty eating certain foods than other residents, particularly those who mainly spoke a language other than English.