Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Age One Dental Visit for the Privately Insured

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to perform a cost-benefit analysis of the age one dental visit for privately insured patients. Methods: A major insurance company provided claims from various states submitted between 2006-2012. Data provided included numbers of procedures and respective costs from the first visit until age six years. Data was organized into five groups based on age, for which the first D0145/D0150 code was submitted [(1) age younger than one year old; (2) age one or older but younger than two years old; (3) age two or older but younger than three years old; (4) age three or older but younger than four years old; and (5) age four or older but younger than five years old]. The ratio of procedures per child and average costs per child were calculated. Results: Claims for 94,574 children were analyzed; only one percent of these children had their first dental visit by age one. The annual cost for children who had their first dental visit by age one was significantly less than for children who waited until an older age. Conclusion: There is an annual cost benefit in establishing a dental home by age one for privately insured patients.