A national sample of 700 dentists was drawn from 13,700 dentists participating in a dental health maintenance organization and from 38,500 dentists participating in a preferred provider organization. The survey was sent to 350 dentists in each group. A response rate of 80%(n=560) was achieved. 91% of dentists indicated that they apply sealants. 36% of dentists place sealants in 41% or more of their patients under the age of 18. Pearson correlation’s were determined to examine associations between variables. A correlation between insurance type and sealant placement was found within dental practices that participate in indemnity insurance products(p<.05). A correlation between patient income and sealant placement was significant(p<.05). Dental sealant fee and placement of sealants was not found to be correlated. Race had no correlation with dental sealant placement with the notable exception of Latinos. A correlation between participation in indemnity insurance and sealant placement was found to be significant for Latinos(p<.05). Practice location was reported as 17.5%(inner city), 27.9% (urban), 47.9%(suburban), and 5.5% (rural). The majority of patients(63.4%) were classified as as middle income. Income was correlated with sealant application by dentists within the managed care environment (p<.05). The most common age for sealant placement was 6-8 years of age(77.7%), followed by 9-11 years of age(75.9%). Dentists report that parents do not frequently request sealants(24.1%). Sealant treatment plans offered by dentists are rejected by parents most frequently because of cost(55.7%). 68.9% place sealants on the teeth of patients from all payer groups. 23.8% indicate payer group affects sealant placement decisions.
Learning Objectives: The participant will be provided data describing a nationwide study of dentists and the socioeconomic factors determining sealant placement within the dental office setting
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The survey was conducted in 1999. It was sent to dentists participating in the Prudential managed dental care programs
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.