The Effects of Economic Crisis on the Demand and Supply of the Dental Services in Greece

OBJECTIVES: This paper attempts to explore the impact of the economic crisis on the supply and demand of dental care services by listing the changes in costs for dental care as well as by the use of a questionnaire administered to dentists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Health Accounts System, the Household Budget Surveys of the Greek Statistical Authority, and a questionnaire distributed to dentists working as self-employed were used as analysis tools. The survey involved a total of 361 dentists from all the regions of the country. RESULTS: During the period of the economic crisis, the household expenses for dental care decreased by 57% according to the Health Accounts System and by 59.38% according to the Household Budget Surveys. Regarding public expenditures, the direct government expenses decreased (excluding social insurance) by 57.55% and social insurance by 91.04%. On the demand side, the majority of respondents indicate a reduction in quantity and prices of dental procedures. An increase is noted in the number of extractions and changes are not reflected in the number of fillings and surgical extractions. For root canal treatments, the percentage of dentists stating decrease in the number is almost equal to the percentage indicating increase. On the supply side, respondents notice an increase in professional costs due to an increase taxes and materials. CONCLUSIONS: Dental expenditures and private income for dentists collapsed during the Greek economic crisis, and demand for dental services remained stable only for emergency cases and pain management.