Cost-effectiveness of Dental Workforce Expansion Through the National Health Service Corps and Its Association With Oral Health Outcomes Among US Children.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Despite considerable efforts to improve oral health for all, large disparities remain among US children. A dental professional shortage is thought to be among the determinants associated with oral health disparities, particularly for those residing in underserved communities.

Objective

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of expanding the dental workforce through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) and associations with oral health outcomes among US children.

Design, setting, and participants

A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted to estimate changes in total costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) produced by increasing the NHSC funding for dental practitioners by 5% to 30% during a 10-year period. A microsimulation model of oral health outco

SUBMITTER: Choi SE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10024205 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature