Trends in dental service provision in Australia: 1983-1984 to 2009-2010

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate time trends in dental service provision. METHODS: A random sample of Australian dentists was surveyed by mailed questionnaires in 1983-1984, 1993-1994, 2003-2004, and 2009-2010 (response rates 67-76%). The service rate per visit was collected from a log of services. RESULTS: The rate of service provision per visit [rate ratio (RR)] increased from 1983-1984 to 2009-2010 for the service areas of diagnostic (RR = 1.8; 1.6-1.9), preventive (RR = 1.9; 1.6-2.1), endodontic (RR = 2.1; 1.7-2.6), and crown and bridge (RR = 2.9; 2.3-3.8), whereas prosthodontic services decreased (RR = 0.7; 0.6-0.9). CONCLUSIONS: The profile of services provided by dentists changed over the study period to include less emphasis on replacement of teeth and more on diagnosis, prevention, and retention of natural dentitions.