Travel Time for Dental Care Services Based on Patient Preference in South Korea

Abstract

This study analyzed patient preferences using travel time from residence to dental institution when selecting dental care services. We used data from the Korean Health Panel from 2008 to 2017 and analyzed each dental service episode. Since the distribution of travel time was skewed to the left, median travel time was analyzed. The association of travel time with services was analyzed via the population-averaged generalized estimating equation (GEE) with the Poisson family. The median of the average travel time per episode was longer for non-National Health Insurance (NHI)-covered services and shorter for NHI-covered services. The first quintile of low-income subjects traveled the longest for all services and utilized dental care the most. In the GEE analysis, travel time was approximately three times longer for implant treatment and gold inlay/resin fillings and >2 times longer for orthodontic care than for NHI-covered services. Patients residing in rural counties traveled for longer than residents of large cities. Income was statistically significant; however, the coefficient was close to zero. Travel time was related to the type of service and reflected patient preference. This was more prominent for expensive non-NHI-covered services than for NHI-covered services. The findings suggest patients’ subjective preferences for dental clinic selection are expressed as rational deliberation considering each individual’s situation.

Andersen health care utilization model: A survey on factors affecting the utilization of dental health services among school children

“…This was especially true for expensive treatment procedures not covered by national health insurance. Across all geographies, the rural regions had the longest median travel time per incident [ 42 ]. But some previous studies revealed no relationship between the time to arrive at the dental facility and utilization [ 11 , 43 ].…”

“…median travel time per incident [42]. But some previous studies revealed no relationship between the time to arrive at the dental facility and utilization [11,43].…”

Patients’ Satisfaction regarding Oral Healthcare Services in the North-East Region of Romania: A Questionnaire Survey

“…The quality of dental care has a direct impact on patients' oral health results and also plays a significant role in shaping their perception of the service provided, which in turn affects their loyalty and the probability of referring the service to others [6]. Although there is agreement on the significance of patient satisfaction in dental care, the research indicates a lack of thorough comprehension regarding the aspects that influence it [7].…”

Patients’ Satisfaction Regarding Oral Healthcare Services in the North-East Region of Romania: A Preliminary Questionnaire Survey

“…The quality of dental care has a direct impact on patients’ oral health results and also plays a significant role in shaping their perception of the service provided, which, in turn, affects their loyalty and the probability of referring the service to others [ 6 ].…”