An analysis of oral surgical dental visits by provider type, 1996

The choice by consumers of the professional from whom they receive specific types of care is influenced by many factors. This study examines the roles that socioeconomic and racial factors play in deciding whether a generalist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon provides routine exodontia care in a community.

The 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey sampled 10,500 households consisting of 21,571 individuals. The combined full-year 1996 response rate of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey sample through the third round was 70%. An analysis was undertaken of surgical dental services and type of provider for each of several socioeconomic and demographic categories. All estimates and statistics reported were computed, taking into account the complex sampling design of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, with the use of the software package SUDAAN.

Data analyzed in this study reveal that the majority of oral surgical visits for all patients are to a generalist and not an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. In addition, nonwhite patients, patients from lower-income households, and patients with less education are more likely to receive surgical care from a generalist than from a specialist. On the other hand, white patients, patients from higher-income households, and patients with more education are more likely to receive surgical care from a specialist than from a generalist.

Socioeconomic status and race seem to play a role in whether patients receive oral surgical care from a general dentist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.