Dentist-related factors influencing the amount of prosthodontic treatment provided

Objectives: To evaluate, using multivariate methods, the associations betwe en indicators of the amount of prosthodontic treatment and dentist-related factors. Methods: Questionnaires were sent to a random sample of 2059 gener al dentists, response rate was 76%. Two indicators of prosthodontic activit y were used as dependent variables: 1) reported weekly working hours used f or prosthodontics and 2) reported numbers of produced single crowns, fixed partial dentures, and removable dentures. Independent variables were 'socia l and demographic attributes','job situation' and 'attitudes of dentists'. Multiple regression analysis was used in models with continuous dependent v ariables and logistic regression analysis for categorical dependent variabl es. Results:'Weekly working hours used for dental care of adults' showed a strong association in all models with the dependent variable 'weekly workin g hours used for prosthodontics'. Male dentists provided more prosthodontic services than female dentists, even if reporting less time used for prosth odontics. Private practitioners produced more fixed prosthodontics than den tists employed in the public dental health service. Dentists in the public dental health service reported a higher production of removable dentures th an private practitioners. Conclusion: The results indicate that factors, be sides those in the rational clinical model for decision-making, e.g. gender and delivery system, play a role in the provision of prosthodontic service s.