The Impact of Insurance Coverage on The Use of Dental Services Types

The basic insurance organizations have considered low coverage for dental services. Considering the high fees of dental services may result in deprivation of people from the necessary dental services. This study investigates the relationship between insurance coverage on the use of dental services types. In this cross-sectional study, four private dental clinics were selected randomly. Cluster sampling was performed and a certain quota was dedicated to each clinic, being evenly divided from April to September. Then using a data collection form, the required data were gathered from each sample’s medical records. The insurance coverage level was examined for each individual in regards to insurance type and dental services. Data analysis was done by SPSS 20 software using descriptive statistics, correlation, Spearman, and Chi-square tests.

Based on the tests, the assumption of correlation between the type of insurance and basic services is strongly confirmed (p = 0.116). It implies that as the insurance level increases, the number of basic services received increases. However, the assumption of a correlation between the type of insurance and advanced and luxury services is strongly rejected. It is probably due to the high cost and limited ceiling that insurance companies provide for this type of dental service. With increasing insurance coverage, the use of basic dental services increases, implying that adopting integrated policies in insurance coverage of dental services is the first step in this regard. It is important to distinguish between basic and advanced and luxury services in insurance coverage.