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The demand for dental health
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|January 1, 1982
Summary
This study analyzed dental demand using economic theory, finding low price elasticity for dental services (-0.2) among those with high dental insurance. It explored factors influencing dental health and care utilization.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Econometrics
- Dental Public Health
Background:
- Understanding the economic factors influencing dental health demand is crucial for policy and resource allocation.
- Previous research often treats dental health and care as separate entities, neglecting their joint endogeneity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the determinants of dental health demand within an econometric model.
- To examine the relationship between dental care utilization and actual dental health outcomes.
- To test hypotheses regarding price and income elasticities for dental services.
Main Methods:
- Application of economic theory to household-level production of health.
- Development and testing of an econometric model with jointly endogenous dental health and care.
- Statistical analysis controlling for sociodemographic and economic variables.
Main Results:
- The net price elasticity for dental services was found to be low (-0.2) for individuals with substantial dental insurance coverage.
- Empirical testing supported hypotheses regarding demand changes in response to price and income.
- The study statistically examined the link between dental care and dental health, accounting for confounding factors.
Conclusions:
- Dental insurance coverage significantly influences the price sensitivity of dental service demand.
- The joint endogeneity of dental health and care is an important consideration in economic analyses of dental services.
- Findings have implications for designing effective health insurance policies and dental care interventions.
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