Objective: This paper describes the treatment needs of the American Indian
and Alaska Native (Native American) population estimated from the 1991 Indi
an Health Service Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs Survey (1991 IHS p
atient survey). Methods: The average per capita treatment need for the popu
lation is expressed both as the number of dental services and clinical time
required to provide these services. Values for service minutes also are us
ed to compare treatment needed with the treatment provided. Results: The ne
ed for dental care is greatest among adults aged 25-54 years. We anticipate
that needs will increase with population growth and as teeth are retained
longer. Large amounts of dental needs go unmet each year in the Native Amer
ican population: because resources are not available to provide all needed
care, dental services are prioritized and rationed. The basic premise upon
which care is rationed is changing from basic care for all who have access,
to more complex care for fewer individuals. This trend may be driven by th
e opportunity to generate third party revenue offered by more complex proce
dures. Conclusion: Evaluation is needed of the effects of new approaches on
oral health and access to dental care.