Methods: A series of surveys were conducted by the author from 1961 to 2006. Written questionnaires were sent to active Members of the Australian Dental Association [ADA]. Confidentiality of responses was maintained.
Results: The 28,000 returns for the Dental Practice Survey represented 50% of members. The Dental Fees Survey had 76,000 returns for a 60% response. There has been a relative decrease is solo practitioners, increase in specialists and a large increase in salaried in private practices resulting in more staff and dentists per practice. Dentists are working similar hours per year and have fewer, but longer, appointments. They are treating fewer patients each year with less appointments required for each patient. During the period from 1983-2004 the cost per visit increased from $32 to $150 and patient cost per year from $84 to $340. In the same period gross income per dentist increased from $111,640 to $414,000. There was a decrease in practice expenses from 67.3% to 64.2% of gross income. Net income increase was greater for dentists than for Average Weekly Earnings. The average dental fees charged in private practices increased progressively over the years, with the rate of increase less in the decade from 1996-2006. The Consumer Price Index changed 129%, Health 145% , and Dental 162% . Total dental expenditure has increased to 5.8% of health expenditure.
Conclusion:
Over the study period the relative costs of dentistry have increased more than for health expenditures.