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BMC Oral Health

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Care | Research article

Association between local spatial accessibility of dental care services and dental care quality

Authors: Ping-Chen Chung, Ta-Chien Chan

Published in: BMC Oral Health | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The aim of our study was to evaluate the allocation of dental resources and explore access to dental care in Taiwan. In addition, we tried to understand the spatiotemporal characteristics of dental care quality and analyze the relationship between dental care quality and areas with deficiencies in dental resources.

Methods

The study used a two-step floating catchment area to calculate the dental resources accessibility and explore the spatiotemporal distributions of dental care quality. The association between dental care quality and spatial accessibility was analyzed using a spatial error model.

Results

Most areas with deficient dental resources and lower dental care quality were remote townships, agricultural towns, or aging towns with spatial clustering. The quality of children's preventive dental care had increased over time. Most highly urbanized areas had higher dental care quality. The quality of some dental care types such as children's preventive care and full-mouth calculous removal was associated with higher accessibility.

Conclusions

Understanding the spatiotemporal distribution of both dental care accessibility and quality can assist in allocation of dental care resources. Adequate dental resources may elevate dental care quality. Suggestions include policies to balance dental resources and routinely monitor improvement in areas with deficient dental care.

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Title: Association between local spatial accessibility of dental care services and dental care quality
Authors: Ping-Chen Chung
Ta-Chien Chan
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Care
Published in: BMC Oral Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6831
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-021-01943-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Association between local spatial accessibility of dental care services and dental care quality

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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