ABSTRACT
To characterize access of adolescents to dental services and identify its determinants. Material and Methods:This is a cross-sectional, population-based study conducted with a representative sample of 431 adolescents aged 15-19 years in a health district of Vitória, ES. The interviews were guided by a structured questionnaire with socio-demographic questions, service utilization, and self-perceived oral health. SPSS statistical software version 15.0 was used. Statistical analysis consisted of the use of simple frequency with proportion and chi-square tests. Significance level of 5% was adopted.Results:Most respondents visit the dentist at least once a year, having as main reason routine visit, are attended in public services and positively evaluate the service provided. Factors associated with greater access to dental services (consultation once a year) were care in private service (p = 0.000), schooling (p = 0.019) and positive self-perceived oral health (p = 0.047). Conclusion:It was concluded that the prevalence of recent use of dental services among adolescents was high and access was related to service profile, self-perceived oral health and schooling...