Relative value of dental procedures

Abstract— This study was conducted to develop a relative value method for dental procedures, and to evaluate the differences in values assigned by private and public sector dentists. Samples of 90 general practitioners and 120 clinical specialists were systematically drawn to represent all actively working Finnish dentists. The dentists were asked to assess the required time and know‐how for performing various procedures compared to performing a two‐surface amalgam filling (AF2). At the end, the dentists were asked to divide the value of 200 between time and know‐how for the reference procedure (AF2). These figures were then utilized to calculate the average relative value for each procedure. Private practitioners' weighted relative values were 55.3% higher than the prices, and among public sector dentists they were 27.9% higher. Overall, know‐how constituted more of the total value of the procedures than did time. Private practitioners' time assessments correlated well (r = 0.72–0.95) with the recommended prices. However, significant differences were often observed both in time and know‐how assessments of individual procedures. Both time and know‐how seem to be important factors when determining values for dental services. For evaluation of the value of output in the private sector, the use of prices is justified. However, when the productivity of non‐profit dental offices is evaluated, a value system which is not based on market prices is needed.