To Scale, or not to Scale? Willingness-To-Accept Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment

Abstract

Objective: To determine the willingness-to-accept (WTA) value of non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) based on the chance of success; in addition, to identify factors associated with WTA values. Method: A stratified quota sample of 400 subjects formed a judging ‘panel’. The panel provided value judgments for their willingness-to-accept NSPT based on derived clinical scenarios of chronic generalized moderate periodontitis (pre- and post-treatment), and relative to percentage of ‘treatment success’. In addition, socio-demographic, oral health behavior and other oral health utility values were obtained.

Result: At 100% chance of success and 0% chance of failure, all would accept NSPT. At <10% chance of success and >90% risk of treatment failure, 16.0% (64) would opt for NSPT. Where there was 50% chance of success and 50% chance of failure, 50.8% (223) would be willing-to-accept NSPT. Bivariate analysis identified that WTA values were associated with socio-demographic factors (age and income level); oral health behavior (tooth brushing, interdental cleaning and use of anti-plaque toothpaste) and other health utility values (willingness-to-pay for NSPT, willingness-to-visit the dentist and willingness-to-perform oral hygiene). Regression analysis confirmed that WTA values were associated with socio-demographic factors, oral health behavior factors and oral health utility values.

Conclusion: The willingness to accept NSPT is based on a chance of success similar to the outcome of flipping a coin (50:50). Where there is 50% chance of success (and 50% chance of failure), approximately 50% of the subjects were willing-to-accept the treatment. WTA values are related to socio-demographic and behavioral factors, as well as other oral health utility values.