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Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Dental Insurance among Dental Professionals in Bengaluru City: A Cross-sectional Survey

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Oral healthcare expenditure in India is largely out-of-pocket, creating financial barriers to accessing dental services. Dental insurance has the potential to reduce this burden and improve utilization of oral healthcare services; however, its knowledge and implementation remain limited in India. Aim: The aim is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding dental insurance among Dental professionals in Bengaluru city. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 152 dental professionals in Bengaluru. A structured, pretested, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis using the Chi-square test were performed using IBM SPSS version 20.0. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ethical clearance was obtained before the study. Results: Knowledge regarding dental insurance was reported by 93.5% of the participants. Adequate knowledge of the regulatory authority for health insurance was observed in 61.8% of dental professionals. Knowledge of government schemes covering dental care was significantly higher among postgraduate dental professionals ( P = 0.022). A majority of respondents (90.8%) considered dental insurance essential for overall healthcare and believed that it could reduce out-of-pocket expenditure ( P = 0.035). In addition, 74% of specialist dental professionals demonstrated knowledge that dental procedures related to accidents, trauma, and oral cancers are covered only in network hospitals. Conclusion: Dental professionals demonstrated high knowledge and favorable attitudes toward dental insurance; however, gaps in detailed knowledge and practical utilization were evident. Strengthening professional education and policy-level reforms are required to improve dental insurance integration in India.

Source: Journal of Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry

DOI: 10.4103/jiaphd.jiaphd_26_26

Authors: Syeda Rabiya Iqbal, Shweta Somasundara Yale, C. N. Aruna, R. V. Pooja

Institution: Rajarajeswari Dental College and Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Healthcare Systems and Reforms

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $100