Factors Affecting Fee-Setting for Dental Services in Iran’s Private Sector: Dentists’ Perspective

Abstract

Background and Objectives: In Iran, the private dental sector is the main provider of dental services, however, the price of services that are charged by them is unclear. This study aimed at evaluating the factors affecting fee-setting for dental services delivered by dentists in the private sector and the relative value of services. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the census sampling method was used among dentists working in the private sector of Kerman city, Iran. The data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire, the validity and reliability of which were established. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data. Results: Of the 252 qualified dentists, 147 (58%) participated in this study, of whom 61.5% stated they had reduced their prices to attract more patients and 67.4% mentioned that there is a competition between dentists in attracting more patients. The tariffs applied by the dentists were within the range of government approved tariffs. After the dentist’s wage (42.3%), the most important factors that affected tariff setting included office rent (18.6%), raw materials (15.2%) and staff’s salary (12.6%). Disease severity, dentistry error, dentist’s skill and visit time length should be considered in determining the relative value of services and setting a justified and fair tariff. Conclusions: It is necessary to take appropriate measures by dental health authorities to increase the competition between private dentists in order to decrease prices in favor of patients. Also, due to differences in performance, experience and materials used by dentists and other factors, it is necessary to set maximum and minimum values for tariffs.