Socioeconomic inequalities in dental services utilisation in a Norwegian county: The third Nord-Trøndelag Health Survey

Abstract

Aim: To assess the level of socioeconomic inequity in dental care utilisation in Norway and enable comparison with recent international comparative studies. Methods: We studied dental care utilisation among 17,136 men and 21,414 women in the third Nord-Trøndelag Health Survey (2006–08). Respondents aged 20 years and above were included in the study, and analyses were also performed within subgroups of age and gender (20–39, 40–59, and ≥60 years). Income-related horizontal inequity was estimated by means of concentration indices. Education-related inequity was estimated as relative risks. Results: We found consistent pro-rich income inequity among men and women of all ages. The level of income inequity was highest among men and women ≥60 years, and in this group the income gradient was steepest between the poorest and the middle quintiles. Pro-educated inequity was found exclusively among men and women ≥60 years. General attendance was high (77%). Conclusion: The overall level of income-related inequity in dental services utilisation was low compared to other European countries as reported in two recent international studies of socioeconomic inequalities in dental care utilisation. Pro-rich and pro-educated inequity is a public health challenge mainly in the older part of the population.