Thomas P Wall1, L Jackson Brown. 1. Statistical Research, Health Policy Resources Center, American Dental Association, Chicago, Ill. 60611, USA. wallt@ada.org
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This article describes recent trends in dental visits and private dental insurance in the United States. METHODS: This study is based on the analyses of data regarding dental visits and private dental insurance among the population 2 years of age or older from the 1989 and 1999 National Health Interview Surveys. RESULTS: Overall, the percentage of the population with a dental visit rose from 57.2 percent in 1989 to 64.1 percent in 1999, while the percentage with private dental insurance fell from 40.5 percent to 35.2 percent. CONCLUSIONS: Although a higher percentage of people with private dental insurance reported having a dental visit than did those without private dental insurance in both years, the increase from 1989 to 1999 in the percentage of those with a visit was larger among the uninsured. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: If this trend persists, a smaller portion of practicing dentist's clientele will be insured. This may affect demand for services, as well as front office operations.
BACKGROUND: This article describes recent trends in dental visits and private dental insurance in the United States. METHODS: This study is based on the analyses of data regarding dental visits and private dental insurance among the population 2 years of age or older from the 1989 and 1999 National Health Interview Surveys. RESULTS: Overall, the percentage of the population with a dental visit rose from 57.2 percent in 1989 to 64.1 percent in 1999, while the percentage with private dental insurance fell from 40.5 percent to 35.2 percent. CONCLUSIONS: Although a higher percentage of people with private dental insurance reported having a dental visit than did those without private dental insurance in both years, the increase from 1989 to 1999 in the percentage of those with a visit was larger among the uninsured. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: If this trend persists, a smaller portion of practicing dentist's clientele will be insured. This may affect demand for services, as well as front office operations.