A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION OF DENTAL INSURANCE AWARENESS AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN FARIDABAD POPULATION

Abstract

Background: Oral health plays a critical role in overall well-being; yet high treatment costs often limit accessibility, particularly in developing nations like India. Dental insurance, though a potential solution to these challenges, remains underutilized and underappreciated.
Objective: This study evaluates the awareness and perceptions of dental insurance among BDS undergraduate dental students in Faridabad.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October to December 2024 among 650 BDS students at Manav Rachna Dental College, Faridabad. A validated, structured questionnaire assessed demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding dental insurance. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests for inferential statistics to summarize findings.
Results: The findings reveal that a significant proportion of participants (75.4%) were aware of dental insurance, though only 5.7% were enrolled in such plans. Most respondents (68%) recognized the importance of dental insurance in mitigating treatment costs, and 66.8% identified its broader benefits, such as cost-effectiveness and improved access to routine dental care. However, misconceptions and uncertainties persisted, with 40.6% unable to confirm whether dental insurance offers comprehensive coverage akin to health insurance.
Patterns of dental visits highlighted gaps in preventive care practices. While 28.3% of participants adhered to biannual check-ups, 21.8% delayed visits until problems arose, often citing barriers such as financial constraints (13.5%) and busy schedules (28%). Furthermore, 46.2% of respondents were unsure about policy exclusions, indicating the need for greater awareness and education regarding dental insurance coverage.
Conclusion:
This study underscores the critical need for targeted educational initiatives to enhance understanding and utilization of dental insurance among young dental professionals. Integrating dental insurance into the broader healthcare framework and addressing informational deficits could significantly improve preventive and therapeutic dental care access, fostering better oral health outcomes in the population.