Utilization of a public subsidy scheme for dental care services among socially vulnerable citizens out of labor in Copenhagen, Denmark

• Published in: Acta odontologica Scandinavica 2024-03, Vol.83 (1), p.112-119
• Main Authors: Skov Kristensen, Marie, Ersbøll, Annette Kjær, Andersen, Ingelise, Øzhayat, Esben Boeskov
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Denmark; Dental Care - economics; Dental Care - statistics & numerical data; Dental care delivery; Dental Health Services - economics; Dental Health Services - statistics & numerical data; Female; Financing, Government - statistics & numerical data; Health Services Accessibility - statistics & numerical data; Humans; low-income population; Male; Middle Aged; out of labor; Public Assistance - statistics & numerical data; social inequalities; social vulnerability; Vulnerable Populations - statistics & numerical data; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0001-6357; 1502-3850; 1502-3850
• DOI: 10.1080/00016357.2023.2279606

Addressing social inequality in oral health and access to dental care is a global concern. This study aims to describe the utilization of a public subsidy scheme targeting vulnerable individuals out of labor in Copenhagen municipality (2013-2018) and to identify key characteristics of individuals eligible to apply. Data from Copenhagen municipality were combined with data from population and health registers. Employing logistic regression analyses, we examined the association between demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related characteristics and (1) having applied, (2) being granted, and (3) using the subsidy. The study included 65,174 individuals aged 18-65. Of these 10,369 (15.9%) applied for subsidies, submitting a total of 18,529 applications. Overall, 83% of the applications were granted and 85% were used. Significantly increased odds of applying for subsidies were observed among individuals receiving social benefits non-stop over the past year versus none (odds ratio [OR] = 15.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 14.24-16.76), aged 50-65 versus 18-29 years (OR = 4.41, CI= 4.15-4.69), and having combined indicators of social vulnerability versus none (OR = 2.90, CI= 2.73-3.07). While the utilization of the public subsidy scheme is low, individuals who apply are likely to be granted a subsidy and use it. Vulnerability was associated with greater utilization of the scheme, yet a substantial portion of those at risk of poor oral health did not take advantage of it.