A pilot study for the inclusion of deciduous teeth treatments in regional oral health programs of andalusia (PAD)

INTRODUCTION Regional Oral Health Programs (PAD) in Spain provide care for all children independent of their parental income. In Andalusia, two frameworks for oral care are available: public and private. Private dentists receive 36 euros per year for providing care on permanent teeth of children. This is one of first pilot studies to analyze the coverage of PAD in private dental clinics in Andalusia on deciduous teeth. METHODS The current study's target population was 3907 patients who were treated in private dental clinics in Andalusia from 2003-2010. We calculated indices for annual treatments of deciduous teeth, the percentage of children receiving care, therapeutic activity and the annual cost of treatments. RESULTS A total of 4070 treatments were done on deciduous teeth. The restoration and pulpotomy indices were 0.845 and 0.093, respectively. The percentage of care and therapeutic activity were 7.34% and 28.13%, respectively. The annual cost per patient was 18.58 euros in 2007, 17.21 euros in 2008, 18.80 euros in 2009 and 15.14 euros in 2010. CONCLUSION The coverage of public health care in Andalusia is limited to permanent teeth; however the coverage should be extended to the deciduous teeth as well. This pilot study constitutes the first experience offering treatment to deciduous teeth. The results suggest that treatments on non-permanent teeth are efficient and profitable by dentists who work in private sector. To guarantee the success of the PAD, a preventive approach must be develop by dental professionals.