Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 3, 2025

Measuring the Subjective Value of Risky and Ambiguous Options using Experimental Economics and Functional MRI Methods
Published on: September 19, 2012
Public Valuation of Direct Restorations: A Discrete Choice Experiment.
O Bailey1, S Stone1, L Ternent2
1School of Dental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
UK adults prioritize faster treatment, white fillings, and less pain for dental restorations. Income significantly impacts preferences and willingness to pay for dental care, especially concerning restoration longevity and color.
Area of Science:
- Dental Public Health
- Health Economics
- Patient-Centered Care
Background:
- Amalgam use in direct posterior dental restorations is decreasing, with a potential phase-out by 2030.
- Alternative restorative materials vary in outcomes and patient acceptance.
- Understanding patient preferences is crucial for informed decision-making regarding dental materials and services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine UK population preferences for attributes of direct posterior dental restorations.
- To assess willingness to pay (WTP) for various restorative service and outcome attributes.
- To inform policy decisions regarding the future of dental restorative materials.
Main Methods:
- A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted with 1,002 UK adults via an online survey.
- Respondents evaluated 17 choice tasks comparing restoration scenarios with varying attributes.
- Mixed logit models analyzed data to calculate marginal WTP and attribute importance.
Main Results:
- Patients value reduced wait times (£39.52), white filling color (£41.66), and no postoperative pain (£116.52) highly.
- Increased restoration longevity (£5.44/year) and shorter procedure times (£0.27/minute) were also significant factors.
- Lower-income individuals showed a greater likelihood to opt out and valued white fillings and longevity less.
Conclusions:
- Patient preferences for dental restorations are influenced by cost, aesthetics, comfort, and longevity.
- Income disparities significantly affect WTP and choices, highlighting equity concerns in dental policy.
- Policymakers must consider diverse population preferences and socioeconomic factors when phasing out amalgam restorations.
Related Concept Videos
Decision Making: P-value Method
First, a specific claim about the population parameter is proposed. The claim is based on the research question and is stated in a simple form. Further, an opposing statement to the claim is also stated. These statements can act as null and alternative hypotheses: a null hypothesis would be a neutral statement while the alternative hypothesis can...
Randomized Experiments
Simple randomization
Simple...
Woodward–Hoffmann Selection Rules and Microscopic Reversibility
Decision Making: Traditional Method
First, a specific claim about the population parameter is decided based on the research question and is stated in a simple form. Further, an opposing statement to this claim is also stated. These statements can act as null and alternative hypotheses, out of which a null hypothesis would be a...
Friedman Two-way Analysis of Variance by Ranks
Experimental Designs

