Fluoridation public health programs are effective means of reducing dental caries, but relatively little is known about fluoridation's effects on dental care demand, particularly under dental insurance.
The aim of the proposed research is to determine the effects of water fluoridation on dental demand (i.e., utilization and expenditure) among children. Econometric demand models will be applied in a quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group design. Subjects will be children who were 5-7 in 1977 and who are dependents of approximately 1,500 sampled Washington State employees covered by Blue Cross dental insurance between 1977-1983. Major data sources are a mail survey of sampled insureds and 1977-1983 Blue Cross claims data. OLS regression and pooled cross-sectional time series analysis will be used to determine fluoridation effects on children dental care demand.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
Unknown (R23)
Project #
5R23DE006562-03
Application #
3447060
Study Section
Health Systems Research (HSR)
Project Start
1984-01-01
Project End
1986-06-30
Budget Start
1986-01-01
Budget End
1986-06-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1986
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Washington
Department
Type
Schools of Dentistry/Oral Hygn
DUNS #
135646524
City
Seattle
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98195
Grembowski, D; Milgrom, P (1988) The influence of dentist supply on the relationship between fluoridation and restorative care among children. Med Care 26:907-17
Grembowski, D (1985) Survey questionnaire salience. Am J Public Health 75:1350