Correlates of Demand for Basic Dental Services in Iranian Households

Introduction: Oral health is an important factor affecting quality of life. This research examined the correlates of demand for basic dental services among the Iranian households. Materials & Methods: This research was a secondary data analysis of cross-sectional data in which the data extracted from National Survey of Iran’s Household Income and Expenditure Survey-2018 were analyzed. The study sample included 17548 eligible households from whole country. The logistic regression model was used to analyze demand for basic dental services. Three regression models were estimated. Results: The probability of demand for basic dental services was reduced as households’ heads were more educated, non-married or unemployed (p value < 0.05). The probabilities of demand for basic dental services were higher among households of higher income quintiles comparing to the first income quintile (p value < 0.05). Furthermore, the probability of demand for basic dental services was higher among those households with elderlies aged more than 70 years old or those households with children aged between 6-12 years old (p value < 0.05). Conclusion: The possibility of demand for basic dental services was correlated to demographic and economic factors as well as age component of household’s members. As a result, dental health policymakers should pay attention to demographic and economic status and age status of population.