Preferences for treatment by dental specialists

A group of employees was surveyed regarding factors related to selection of dental insurance coverage, including preference for obtaining various types of dental services from specialists. More than one-third of the 885 respondents preferred to see a specialist for services other than routine examinations, cleanings, and restorations. Preference varied according to the type of service, being lowest for prosthodontic care (31 percent) and highest for treatment of periodontal conditions (44 percent). Respondents who perceived a need for a particular category of services within the next year were more likely to prefer treatment by a specialist compared to those who perceived no need for that type of service. No significant differences with regard to preference for specialty care were noted among groups having different ages, income levels, or patterns of seeking dental care.