(PR51) Comparison of Endodontic Practice Differences in Countries With Different Dental Insurance Systems - A Survey Study

Objective: This survey-based study aimed to compare endodontic coverage of adults across different countries and explore the role dental insurance systems have on endodontic treatment planning, practices, and fee structure.

Methods: An anonymous survey was created on Qualtrics and sent electronically to endodontists in the United States and dental clinicians worldwide through endodontic alumni. The survey included questions on socio-demographics, insurance coverage, fee structure, and endodontic practices. Collected data was analyzed using simple descriptive analysis, and correlation between insurance type and endodontic practice using chi-squared test (p < 0.05).

Results: The survey cohort was 1,000 participants. Preliminary results from the survey sent to 100 alumni had a 29% response rate. Most respondents (76%) had 10-20 years of clinical experience, completed most of their endodontic cases in a single visit (90%), prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) routinely (100%), used rotary NiTi instruments (100%), microscope (97%), sodium hypochlorite for irrigation (100%), and bioceramic sealers for obturation (79%). Clinicians under government-assisted insurances were more likely to restore the tooth at the same visit compared to those under private insurance (p < 0.05). The average fee of endodontic treatment under government-assisted insurance was half of that of private insurances.

Conclusions: The findings of this study elucidate the role dental insurance plays on clinical decision-making and the potential effect on endodontic treatment outcomes.