Sstudy evaluated the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic had on oral health care provided by July 2020 through December 2021
WASHINGTON, October 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — New research from Delta Dental on oral health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, recently released by Journal of the American Dental Associationreported a significant decline in the provision of preventive oral health care services compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oral health care utilization in the United States through December 2021
study, The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of oral health care in United States through December 2021, showed that there were significant decreases in preventive dental services that continued for more than one year, particularly in all age groups under 65. These may reflect, in part, anecdotal reports of loss of employer-sponsored dental benefits, reluctance to seek appropriate care. to concerns about exposure to COVID-19, or staff shortages in dental offices. The authors of the study also found a significant increase in the provision of night watches in adult patients. This may indicate an increase in stress-related teeth grinding that can crack or break teeth.
“These data tell us that, while we’re getting through the pandemic, we’re just beginning to understand the long-term impacts it could have on the nation’s oral and overall health,” he said. Joseph Dill, DDS, MBA, Chief Dental Officer, Delta Dental Plans Association and Chief of Dental Sciences, Delta Dental Institute. “The reduction of preventive procedures seen in all age groups can lead to an increase in caries or deterioration of periodontal status, especially for people who require regular preventive and maintenance care. This can exacerbate other health problems, such as the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, etc. and diabetes”.
Key takeaways from the study include:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has had direct and indirect effects on oral health care, including prevention, treatments and procedures.
- Direct effects on oral health care include the closing of dental practices and subsequent disruption of care. For those who require regular preventive and maintenance care, these delays can lead to an increase in caries (cavities) or worsening of periodontal disease.
- The reduction in preventive services from pre-pandemic levels raises concerns about long-term health impacts.
- Reductions in the volumes of preventive procedures in the younger than 65 age group may have long-term effects on oral and general health.
- There was a significant increase in the number of occlusal night guards being sent to older patients and an increase in crowns in patients 65 and older.
- This likely indicates an increase in stress-related bruxism (teeth grinding), which may also have led to an increase in cracked or broken teeth in the elderly. However, claims data could not confirm anecdotal reports of an increase in cracked or broken teeth.
The research assessed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on oral health care using National Insurance claims data. The research team analyzed claims by quarter from 2017 to 2019 and from July 2020 THE December 2021including 600 million procedural codes submitted.
Delta Dental conducts significant research using national dental claims data to uncover trends in oral health care and help guide pathways for intervention. The study team plans to conduct follow-up research that will explore national oral health claims data from 2022.
About Delta Dental Institute
Delta Dental Institute is dedicated to advancing oral health for all Americans in partnership with Delta Dental companies and dedicated partners across the country. With expertise rooted in Delta Dental’s rich history of oral health leadership, we engage and support oral health research, community outreach and advocacy, striving to ensure that everyone understands the importance of oral health to overall health and access the care they need. . Visit deltadentalinstitute.com for more information.
About Delta Dental Plans Association
Based on Chicago, Illinois, Delta Dental Plans Association is the national nonprofit association of 39 independent Delta Dental companies. Through these companies, Delta Dental is the nation’s largest provider of dental benefits, covering more than 89 million Americans and offering the nation’s largest dental network with approximately 152,000 participating dentists. Over the past decade, Delta Dental companies and their foundations have invested 1.9 billion dollars to improve the oral and overall health of our communities.
SOURCE Delta Dental Institute