How fee and insurance changes could affect dentistry: results from a microsimulation model

Abstract

Dentists have become concerned about the possible impact of reductions in dental insurance coverage. The authors used a microsimulation model of the dental sector to assess the potential impact of reductions in the percentage of Americans with dental insurance, in universal dental insurance coverage for children and in fees paid to dentists for their services. The model predicted that reductions in dental insurance coverage would reduce per capita dental expenditures, but that the impact would not be large. Fee reductions had the greatest impact on dental expenditures of any change simulated by the model.