Factors influencing variation in dentist service rates.
In the previous article, we calculated dentist service rates for 200 general dentists based on a homogeneous, well-educated, upper-middle-class population of patients. Wide variations in the rates were detected. In this analysis, factors influencing variation in the rates were identified. Variation in rates for categories of dental services was explained by practice characteristics, patient exposure to fluoridated water supplies, and non-price competition in the dental market. Rates were greatest in large, busy practices in markets with high fees. Older practices consistently had lower rates across services. As a whole, these variables explained between 5 and 30 percent of the variation in the rates.
Grembowski
D
D
Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Dentistry, Seattle 98195-9950.
Milgrom
P
P
Fiset
L
L
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003729:Dental Care / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003815:Dentists; D005250:Fees, Dental / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005457:Fluoridation; D005102:Health Expenditures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007347:Insurance, Dental; D010358:Patient Participation; D011364:Professional Practice; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D014861:Washington / Q000453:epidemiology