Trends in self-reported cost barriers to dental care in Ontario

Background: The affordability of dental care continues to receive attention in Canada. Since most dental care is privately financed, the use of dental care is largely influenced by insurance coverage and the ability to pay-out-of pocket. Objectives: i) to explore trends in self-reported cost barriers to dental care in Ontario; ii) to assess trends in the socio-demographic characteristics of Ontarians reporting cost barriers to dental care; and iii) to identify the trend in what attributes predicts reporting cost barriers to dental care in Ontario. Methods: A secondary data analysis of five cycles (2003, 2005, 2009–10, 2013–14 and 2017–18) of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) was undertaken. The CCHS is a cross-sectional survey that collects information related to health status, health care utilization, and health determinants for the Canadian population. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted to determine the characteristics of Ontarians who reported cost barriers to dental care. Poisson regression was used to calculate unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios to determine the predictors of reporting a cost barrier to dental care. Results: In 2014, 34% of Ontarians avoided visiting a dental professional in the past three years due to cost, up from 22% in 2003. Having no insurance was the strongest predictor for reporting cost barriers to dental care, followed by being 20–39 years of age and having a lower income. Conclusion: Self-reported cost barriers to dental care have generally increased in Ontario but more so for those with no insurance, low income, and aged 20–39 years.