How do dental practices respond to changes in scope of practice regulations?

B-Tier
Journal: Health Economics
Year: 2024
Volume: 33
Issue: 11
Pages: 2508-2524

Authors (3)

Kamyar Nasseh (not in RePEc) John R. Bowblis (not in RePEc) Coady Wing (Indiana University)

Score contribution per author:

0.670 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Regulations that restrict the tasks that credentialed workers are allowed to perform may affect a firm's input choices, output, and which part of the market the firm serves. Using dental practice survey data from 1989 to 2014 and a stacked difference‐in‐differences design, this paper examines the effects of state‐level scope of practice regulations on the behavior of dental practices. Results suggest that scope of practice deregulation in regards to dental hygienists' ability to administer nitrous oxide or local anesthesia is associated with fewer dentist visits per week in the short‐term, lower patient wait times, and an increased likelihood of treating lower revenue generating publicly insured patients. There is weak evidence that scope of practice deregulation alters a practice's labor inputs.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:wly:hlthec:v:33:y:2024:i:11:p:2508-2524
Journal Field
Health
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-29