Factors affecting direction and strength of patient preferences for treatment of molar teeth with nonvital pulps.
OBJECTIVE
To elicit the factors affecting willingness to pay (WTP) values for the preferred options of participants for dealing with a molar tooth with a nonvital pulp, a common but difficult problem.


METHODS
A total of 503 patients were recruited from dental practices in the North East of England and interviewed. Their preferred treatment option for a molar tooth with a nonvital pulp (endodontics, extraction and various prosthetic restorative options) and WTP for this preferred option were elicited. Factors affecting preferred option and WTP were analysed using econometric modelling.


RESULTS
Overall, 53% of the sample wished to save the tooth with a mean WTP of £373. The variance in WTP was high. Of those opting for extraction, the majority chose to leave a gap or have an implant. The preferred option was influenced by previous treatment experience. WTP was only influenced by having a low income.


CONCLUSIONS
The high level of variance in WTP and its relatively unpredictable nature pose difficult questions for policy makers trying to ensure the delivery of an equitable service. For dentists, it is important not to make assumptions about patient preference and strength of preference when making decisions. Ideally, WTP values should be considered alongside effectiveness data, and those on costs, in policy making.
Centre for Oral Health Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
C R
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6927-2974
CR
Vernazza
Centre for Oral Health Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
J G
JG
Steele
Centre for Oral Health Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
J M
JM
Whitworth
Centre for Oral Health Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
J R
JR
Wildman
Centre for Oral Health Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
C
C
Donaldson
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003657:Decision Making; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000191:economics*; D004522:Educational Status; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017059:Models, Econometric; D008963:Molar; D057240:Patient Preference; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000191:economics*; D012923:Social Class; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000191:economics*; D019553:Tooth, Nonvital / Q000628:therapy*
health economics; preference-based measures; prosthodontics; root canal treatment; willingness to pay