Future treatment needs in children, adults and the elderly

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Dental Public Health

Background:

• Future dental service needs are evaluated against objectives of equitable distribution and economic efficiency.
• Nordic countries have historically emphasized equity in dental care, with less focus on efficiency.
• The concept of equity of utilization is central to understanding the goals of public dental services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss future treatment needs for dental services.
• To analyze the principles of equity of utilization and equity of access in dental care.
• To examine the organization of public dental services in Nordic countries, particularly for children.

Main Methods:

• The study discusses theoretical frameworks for equity in healthcare.
• It examines the externality argument justifying public health interventions.
• National service data and recent studies are used to exemplify oral health situations across age groups.

Main Results:

• Equity of utilization, where equal needs receive equal treatment (volume and quality), is presented as a key objective.
• Equity of access, focusing on equal opportunity to use services (time and money costs), is also discussed.
• Public dental services for children in Nordic countries are organized based on the principle of equity of utilization.

Conclusions:

• The principle of equity of utilization is fundamental to the organization of public dental services in Nordic countries.
• Recognizing the societal benefits (externalities) of dental care supports the emphasis on equitable utilization.
• Understanding both equity of utilization and equity of access is crucial for planning future dental service provision.