Dentists, demographics, and data: Variations in dental services by age and gender

This study examined utilization and expenditure patterns of 9,504 individuals covered by an employer-sponsored dental plan throughout 2010. During the period 6,972 (73.3%) had at least one dental visit. The population was divided into eight cohorts: Male and Female; ages 20<35, 35<50, 50<65, 65 and older. The smallest cohort size was 594; the largest was 1,891. The number of services provided to patients ranged from 5.38 for Males and Females ages 20<35 to 6.84 for Males 65 and older. D&P procedures accounted for 76-78% of services for patients 20<50, and Other services accounted for 22-24%. For Males and Females 65 and older, D&P procedures were 69% and 71% respectively. In terms of dollars billed, D&P procedures ranged between $206.96 and $225.60 for all of the eight cohorts. D&P expenditure differences between older and younger patients were less than ten percent. Annual amounts billed for Other services varied considerably by patient age. The low was $$271.84 for Females 20<35; highs were $665.90 for Males 65 and older, and $665.72 for Females 65 and older. Frequencies of five types of dental procedures provided to patients were analyzed. Examinations ranged from 143 per 100 for Male patients 20<35 to 168 per 100 for Female patients 65 and older. Crowns ranged from 4 per 100 for Males 20<35 to 23 per 100 for Females 65 and older. Also analyzed were Fillings, Root Canals, and Extractions. Those responsible for staffing dental practices should be aware of the demographic composition of the population to be served.