Access to Care Considerations for the Endodontic Treatment of Immature Permanent Teeth: A National Survey of Pediatric Dentists and Endodontists

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate access to care and financial considerations associated with the endodontic treatment of immature permanent teeth.

Methods

Surveys were distributed to endodontists (n = 2,457) and pediatric dentists (n = 3,974) in the United States. Data were analyzed using X² analysis and logistic regression. The level of significance was set to 0.05.

Results

The response rate was 13% (n = 840). Respondent specialist groups were similar by age and years since specialty residency completion, but significantly different with regard to primary practice setting (eg private practice, Federally Qualified Health Center, hospital), (P = .001). The majority (91%) of respondents reported participation with dental insurance. Pediatric dentists (69%) were significantly more likely than endodontists (17%) to participate with public-payer dental insurance (P < .001). The majority of respondents (82%) indicated that patients reported economic factors (time or money) as a barrier to accessing endodontic treatment. Pediatric dentists were significantly more likely to consider economic factors when planning for treatment (P < .001). Pediatric dentists were more likely than endodontists to have the opinion that endodontic procedures for treatment of necrotic immature permanent teeth should cost less than root canal therapy (apexification, P < .001; regenerative endodontic procedures, P = .002). Pediatric dentists (33%) reported encountering barriers when attempting to refer their patients to an endodontist. Inability to find an endodontist that participates with dental insurance was the most frequently cited barrier.

Conclusions

Limited clinician participation with dental insurance and gaps in insurance coverage for endodontic procedures appear to contribute to access to care barriers for pediatric patients.