Costs of dental rehabilitation: state policies to reduce inequalities

In Latin American countries, oral health is seen by health’s authorities as a luxury good because of the high costs for health system. In Argentina 33 % of population had lost teeth when they reach young adults age. To determinate the cost either in public or private sector of a dental health care p...

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Autores principales: Marín, Gustavo Horacio, Silberman, Martín, Mansilla, Eduardo, Sanguinetti, Carlos Luis
Formato: Articulo
Lenguaje:Inglés
Publicado: 2015
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Acceso en línea:http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar/handle/10915/127552
https://journalissues.org/irjpeh/abstract/marin-et-al-may-2015/
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Sumario:In Latin American countries, oral health is seen by health’s authorities as a luxury good because of the high costs for health system. In Argentina 33 % of population had lost teeth when they reach young adults age. To determinate the cost either in public or private sector of a dental health care program for population with severe dental problems. We conducted a prospective study where dental health status, type of prostheses, cost of prostheses, quality of life and patient’s socio-economic conditions were considered variables. Patient’s selection was randomized performed among volunteers with dental pieces missed. Two groups were considered: patients in whom prostheses were provided by a public program (group A); and another group where prostheses were accessed in the private sector. The average cost to provide prostheses and oral rehabilitation per patient was € 1785.38 in the private sector while for the state program was € 268.51, which meant over 85% of saving. High satisfaction of users and an increased self-confidence of patients were achieved. This paper evidences a low-cost State program that reduced 85% the regular prices for dental prostheses. This experience can provide the groundwork for massively increase access to oral health care.