Evaluation of a subsidized dental program among rural Norwegians

Abstract

Of 280 medically and/or socially disadvantaged Norwegian rural dwellers aged 20‐60 years invited to participate in a subsidized dental program, 198 persons needed treatment and agreed to receive free or low‐cost treatment. Eight persons dropped out of the program, leaving 190 participants who were treated by the author and/or by private practitioners. The average treatment cost per person was Nor. kr. 697, but the cost varied considerably. Prosthetic services comprised three‐fourths of the total expenses. According to the criteria used, the participants' share of the cost averaged Nor. kr. 260. Approximately every fifth participant seemingly did not manage to cover his share. Predictability of treatment services and costs were elucidated by comparing estimates worked out by the author with data obtained from the practitioners on the services actually rendered. The pairs of data on extractions and fillings were in fairly good agreement, as were the cost estimates of such services. The cost of prosthetics, however, had been rather underestimated, while conversely, the cost of periodontal treatment had been heavily overestimated.