The Estimation of Need for Dental Care

This paper presents a background discussion of the estimation of normative need for dental care. Definitions are given which differentiate normative need for dental care from perceived need, demand, or utilization. Four different approaches to obtaining estimates of normative need for dental care are outlined. They are the translation of data from surveys of dental status, surveys of need for dental care, analyses of service or treatment records, and best judgment of dental practitioners. Present limitations within the four aproaches to estimating need to include factors such as objectivity, directness, completeness, precision, and extent of population coverage. Applications of estimates of need for dental care are identified in the areas of evaluation, setting of priorities, and planning of dental health programs. Current developments in the area of health services, including the concepts of an adequate minimum standard for personal health services, quality assurance, and rationing by need, are seen as providing some impetus for greater interest in need for dental care. Future directions in the estimation of dental needs will depend upon the validation of the approaches outlined, as well as general factors including costs of collecting data on dental status and need for dental care in population.