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Patient exposure to X-rays depends on how dentists are paid

Posted on 25 January 2018

Journal of Health Economics article written by Martin Chalkley and Stefan Listl

Journal of Health Economics

A major study has found a marked increase in the number of X-rays given by dentists who receive payment for doing them. 

The research, reported in the Journal of Health Economics, examined extensive data from dentists and patients over a 10-year period and found a significant increase in the number of X-rays given to patients when dentists were paid on a ‘fee-for-service’ basis, where each item of treatment delivered is charged for, compared to when they are on a fixed salary. Read more