Determination of utilization in a dental insurance plan

Thesis (M.Sc.D.)--Boston University. Henry M. Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry, 1990 (Public Health Dentistry)Bibliography: leaves 39-40.The objective of this study was to determine and compare the dental care utilization of 37,000 New England employees, insured by Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield and Metropolitan Life insurance companies under dual option, preferred Provider ( Closed) Plan and Open Plan. This investigation was carried out by a random selection of 5,000 records of insurees. Comprehensive statistical analysis was performed to evaluate dental services provided through both dental insurance plans. Dental services were broken down by the ADA Procedure Code classification and service mix statistically examined in relation to Plan type ( Open, Closed), claim administrator (Empire, MetLife) and eligibility type (Employee, Spouse and Dependent). This sample comprised of members (employees), their spouse and dependents who, overall, formed a group of 2064 (41.3%) males and 2936 (58.7%) females. Of the total 5000 dental claims filed 1929 (38.6%) were through the Open Plan and 3071 (61.4%) through the Closed Plan. Specifically, for each dental procedure claims were counted with either Plan type

Delivery, Outcome, and Costs of Orthodontic Care in Finnish Health Centres

The goal of the study was to analyse orthodontic care in Finnish health centres with special reference to the delivery, outcome and costs of treatment. Public orthodontic care was studied by two questionnaires sent to the chief dental officers of all health centres (n = 276) and to all specialist orthodontists in Finland (n = 146). The large regional variation was mentioned by the orthodontists as the most important factor requiring improvement. Orthodontic practices and outcome were studied in eight Finnish municipal health centres representing early and late timing of treatment. A random sample of 16- and 18-year-olds (n = 1109) living in these municipalities was examined for acceptability of occlusion with the Occlusal Morphology and Function Index (OMFI). In acceptability of occlusion, only minor differences were found between the two timing groups. The percentage of subjects with acceptable morphology was higher among untreated than among treated adolescents. The costs of orthodontic care were estimated among the adolescents with a treatment history. The mean appliance costs were higher in the late, and the mean visit costs higher in the early timing group. The cost-effectiveness of orthodontic services differed among the health centres, but was almost equal in the two timing groups. National guidelines and delegation of orthodontic tasks were suggested as the tools for reducing the variation among the health centres. In the eight health centres, considerable variation was found in acceptability of occlusion and in cost-effectiveness of services. The cost-effectiveness was not directly connected with the timing of treatment.Siirretty Doriast

Knowledge and awareness of orthodontics among Nigerian school children in selected private and public schools in Lagos

Objective: This study sought to assess the knowledge and awareness of Nigerian adolescents concerning orthodontics, to determine possible factors influencing their knowledge of orthodontics as well as to find out if socioeconomic status has any effect on their knowledge and awareness. Method: This cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire based study was conducted in two secondary schools (one private and one public) in Lagos State. Result: A total of 408 students, participated in the study of which only 98 (24.0%) had ever heard the term ‘orthodontics’, and of this number only 16 could correctly explain the meaning of the term orthodontics. Majority of the respondents with correct responses attended a private school. Significantly more of the private school students correctly identified that orthodontists are involved in rearranging the teeth (p=0.006) and not involved in cleaning the teeth (p=0.008). There was a significant difference in the knowledge of the students from the public and private school concerning the impact of malocclusion on speech (p=0.002) and appearance (p=0.000). The overall orthodontic knowledge is deficient. However knowledge was better among the children from the private school compared to those from the public school. The results obtained from this study, clearly show that there is need to provide oral health education especially to improve the orthodontic knowledge of these adolescents especially about malocclusion and its consequences. It is expected that this would improve their knowledge and consequently increase the demand for and the uptake of the available orthodontic services

Orthodontic Treatment Need and Complexity among Nigerian Adolescents in Rivers State, Nigeria

Introduction. The assessment of orthodontic treatment need and complexity are necessary for informed planning of orthodontic services. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess these parameters using the Index of Complexity, Outcome, and Need (ICON) in a Nigerian adolescent population in a region where orthodontic services are just being established. Methods. Six hundred and twelve randomly selected Nigerian adolescents aged 12 to 18 years were examined using the ICON in their school compounds. Descriptive statistics were employed in the data analysis. Results. Out of a total of 38.1% of the population found to need orthodontic treatment, there were more males and older adolescents. The overall mean ICON score for the population was 39.7 ± 25.3 SD with males having statistically higher mean ICON score. The grades of complexity of the population were 21.6% for very difficult and difficult, 7.5% moderate, and 70.9% mild/easy. Conclusions. Although just over a third of the adolescents were found to have a need for treatment, about a quarter of them were found to have difficult and very difficult complexity grades indicating a need for specialist care. The authors recommend the training of more specialist orthodontists in this region

The prevalence of malocclusion in Maltese schoolchildren as measured by the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need

The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), a widelyused, standardised epidemiological tool was used to determine the prevalence of malocclusion in Maltese schoolchildren. The use of an internationally-accepted, graded index based on both health and aesthetic scales allows prioritisation of treatment and appropriate direction of resources. Furthermore it allows training curricula to be tailored to the population requirements. This will maximise cost-benefit ratios to the advantage of both the patient and the service provider. This study highlights the similarities and differences between the Maltese and other populations and draws attention to the traits most prevalent for our population.peer-reviewe

Socio-demographics of Adult Orthodontic Visits in the United States

Introduction: Population-based studies in orthodontics have focused on differences between normative and perceived needs. However, information from national data on the prevalence of orthodontic visits and their associated factors in adults in the United States is scarce. We examined the demographic profile of likely adult users of orthodontic services and whether there is racial and ethnic disparity in orthodontic visits. Methods: We analyzed data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 2000-2004. Results: Overall, about 1% of the population reported an orthodontic visit. Subjects who made a general dental visit during the current year were significantly more likely to also have an orthodontic visit. Single adults, women, people between 18 and 30 years of age, and those from high-income families were more likely to report an orthodontic visit. There were no indications of racial and ethnic disparity for either black or Hispanic adults compared with white adults after adjusting for other covariates. Conclusions: Substantial racial and ethnic disparity in adult orthodontic usage was not identified. Adults (ages 18-30 years), women, those with higher incomes, and single adults had significantly higher odds of reporting an orthodontic visit. However, additional studies specifically evaluating the association of treatment need among low-income families are required to evaluate whether these adults face significant barriers in accessing orthodontic care