Public preferences for seeking publicly financed dental care and professional preferences for structuring it

Abstract

There appears to be a policy disconnect between the preferences of those populations where governmental involvement is most warranted, and the current mechanisms for financing and delivering dental care in Canada. By concentrating almost exclusively on third-party-type financing and indirect delivery, public dental care policy may not be adequately responding to those most in need, especially in an environment where dentists are largely dissatisfied with public plans.

Breaking down barriers: towards the development of a low-cost community dental clinic in Prince George, British Columbia

“…This may indicate an aversion to publicly financed forms of dental care that are atypical to a traditional private practice. Similar to the patients' preference, Quinonez et al (2010) found that…”

“…The model described in Michigan has led to a rapid expansion of likeminded models throughout the state which suggests the dentists are happier forfeiting their opportunity costs in this manner, but also that patients prefer this model as well. Some of the literature refers to cultural barriers based on patients ' perceptions of being unwelcome by some private practices (Quinonez, Figueiredo, et al, 2010). Perhaps knowing they have worked for this care decreases this perceived barrier.…”

“…Most dentists support government involvement in dental care, but less than half favour direct delivery (Quinonez et al, 2010). According to Wallace and MacEntee (2012), dentists' reluctance to treat low SES individuals and the cultural incompatibility of most private practices are important factors to consider in fmding alternatives to treating this population.…”

“…Within all regions of British Columbia, dentists regularly refuse to treat patients due to an inability to pay for treatment (Wallace, 2008). One third of Canadian dentists have reduced the proportion of patients who rely on public insurance in their practice (Quinonez, Figueiredo, Azarpazooh, and Locker, 2010). The ' inverse care law' describes this phenomenon whereby those needing care the most are least likely to receive it (Asadoorian, 2008;Main et al, 2006;Snow and McNally, 2010;Williamson et al, 2006;Grignon et al, 2010).…”

Homelessness & Health in Canada

“…Social and professional pressure has mounted on governments for renewed investments in dental care, and some provincial and municipal governments have responded (Quiñonez et al 2010). However, policy-makers and service providers lack a definite strategy to respond to the numerous groups and challenges associated with oral health and oral health care inequalities (Quiñonez, Figueiredo and Locker 2009a).…”