Trends in dental service provision in Australia: 1983-1984 to 2009-2010

Int Dent J. 2015 Feb;65(1):39-44. doi: 10.1111/idj.12141. Epub 2014 Nov 5.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate time trends in dental service provision.

Methods: A random sample of Australian dentists was surveyed by mailed questionnaires in 1983-1984, 1993-1994, 2003-2004, and 2009-2010 (response rates 67-76%). The service rate per visit was collected from a log of services.

Results: The rate of service provision per visit [rate ratio (RR)] increased from 1983-1984 to 2009-2010 for the service areas of diagnostic (RR=1.8; 1.6-1.9), preventive (RR=1.9; 1.6-2.1), endodontic (RR=2.1; 1.7-2.6), and crown and bridge (RR=2.9; 2.3-3.8), whereas prosthodontic services decreased (RR=0.7; 0.6-0.9).

Conclusions: The profile of services provided by dentists changed over the study period to include less emphasis on replacement of teeth and more on diagnosis, prevention, and retention of natural dentitions.

Keywords: Private general practice; dental service provision; time trends.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Australia
  • Crowns / statistics & numerical data
  • Crowns / trends
  • Dental Health Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Dental Health Services / trends*
  • Dental Prosthesis / statistics & numerical data
  • Dental Prosthesis / trends
  • Dental Restoration, Permanent / statistics & numerical data
  • Dental Restoration, Permanent / trends
  • Denture, Partial / statistics & numerical data
  • Denture, Partial / trends
  • Diagnosis, Oral / statistics & numerical data
  • Diagnosis, Oral / trends
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Preventive Dentistry / statistics & numerical data
  • Preventive Dentistry / trends
  • Root Canal Therapy / statistics & numerical data
  • Root Canal Therapy / trends
  • Sex Factors
  • Tooth Extraction / statistics & numerical data
  • Tooth Extraction / trends
  • Young Adult