The influence of dentist supply on the relationship between fluoridation and restorative care among children.

Because fluoridation effectively reduces dental caries among children, it may also reduce their demand for dental care. The authors tested this proposition among 985 insureds aged 9 to 14 in Washington State using dental claims from 1982 to 1985. In the sample almost two thirds of the children with continuous fluoridation exposure lived in markets with the smallest number of persons per dentist. Relative to other children, these children received more diagnostic and preventive services and had the highest probability of receiving restorative care. Among children who received restorations, children in this group had the fewest restorations. While the last result reflects expected reductions in caries due to fluoridation, the others may reflect providers' response to less tooth decay and increased competition for patients.