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Background: Subscription-based models are increasingly being explored as a potential solution to enhance patient access to preventive dental care, reduce reliance on traditional insurance and offer a more predictable financial framework for both patients and dental practices. These models aim to foster regular dental visits, encourage better oral health and reduce overall treatment costs by emphasizing preventive care. This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of dental professionals concerning subscription-based membership plans and their potential impact on patient care. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 230 participants, including dental students, private practitioners and academic faculty. The survey aimed to evaluate the participants' knowledge of subscription models, their attitudes toward these models and their experiences with recommending or implementing these plans in their practices. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize and analyze the data and Chi-square tests were applied to explore potential correlations between professional groups and their KAP. Results: The results reveal that 60% of participants were familiar with subscription-based models for preventive dental care. Among those, 72% recognized the potential benefits of these models in reducing reliance on traditional insurance and improving access to care. In terms of practices, 45% of participants had recommended subscription plans to patients and 62% expressed an interest in incorporating these plans into their future practices. Interestingly, a significant proportion (38%) rated themselves as “moderately proficient” in recommending these plans. Additionally, the study found that participants who were more familiar with subscription models were significantly more likely to recommend them (p<0.05). Numerical data analysis showed that 60% of participants had some level of familiarity with subscription models, with 72% acknowledging the models' benefits. Despite the favorable attitude, only 45% had actively recommended these plans. The correlation between familiarity with the subscription model and the likelihood of recommending it was statistically significant (p<0.05). Furthermore, 62% of the respondents showed interest in incorporating such models into their practices in the future. Conclusion: The study highlights that while dental professionals generally recognize the advantages of subscription-based models in improving preventive care, there are challenges that hinder their wider adoption. These challenges include limited familiarity and self-reported moderate proficiency in implementing or recommending these models. The findings indicate that further education, training and exposure to subscription-based care models are essential to overcome barriers and increase their successful integration into routine dental practice. Addressing these gaps will not only promote better oral health but also enable dental practices to offer more sustainable and patient-friendly options for preventive care.One of the study's limitations is the reliance on self-reported data, which may be subject to response bias. Additionally, the sample size of 230 participants, while varied, may not fully represent the broader dental community. Future studies could include a larger sample across more regions to generalize the findings.
Subscription based models refers to a payment system wherein patients pay a fixed, monthly or yearly fees to get access to certain dental services in a package like regular dental checkups, preventive checkups, x-ray or radiographs instead of paying for individual procedures.
These models can make dental care more accessible for people who otherwise cannot afford regular dental visits. Patients with the help of these plans know exactly how much to pay monthly for their dental care similar to healthcare insurance. These plans not only make about payment methods but also encourage them to visit dentist to assess care [1,2].
Subscription plans can be customised according to the patients need and requirements with varying services [3]. Patients pay monthly or annually to join the subscription plans. This can be a feasible way to draw patients who may be hesitant due to cost concerns [4].
Subscription models not only are beneficial for patients but also for dentists as it allows them increase their revenues significantly. Offering these plans can help your practice reach under reserved populations including seniors, families and individuals in rural areas [5,6].
Some practices may offer additional perks like emergency appointments, discounts on cosmetic procedures or free consultations. When people join a subscription based plan it helps patients pay regular visits to the dentist and early detection of dental diseases such as caries, gum diseases and even oral cancer is possible [7,8].
While there are many benefits of these plans for patients as well dentists there are certain setbacks to them. Major obstacles including lack of knowledge, communication gap between dentists and patients about the services provided. Sometimes patients may have to even cancel their insurance if they feel that they are not utilising all the included services. Effectively making this plan to worl, requires excellent marketing skills. While numerous practitioners overcome the challenges and enjoy the success others may face compliance issues, management problems and short term drops in their revenues. Due to these challenges the adoption and recommendations of these plans is still limited among dentists.
More over there's a need to further research and knowledge of the dentists, students and patients opinions about this insurance plans is required for effective and widespread use of these plans.
This study evaluates dental professionals' knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding the role of subscription-based models in preventive dental care.
Previous studies have explored the potential benefits of subscription-based models in dentistry, but limited research has focused on understanding the barriers to their adoption among dental professionals. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating dental professionals' knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding subscription-based models, with an emphasis on identifying the factors that hinder or encourage their adoption in dental practices. By addressing these gaps, this study will provide critical insights into the role of subscription-based plans in improving access to preventive dental care and their potential to transform the current dental care landscape.
Study Design and Research Question
This cross-sectional study aimed to assess dental professionals' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding subscription-based membership plans for preventive care. The primary research question guiding this study is:"How do dental professionals' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding subscription-based models for preventive care affect their adoption and implementation in dental practices?"
This question seeks to explore the relationship between dental professionals’ awareness of subscription-based models, their attitudes toward their benefits and their practical adoption of these models. The study hypothesizes that greater knowledge and positive attitudes toward subscription models will correlate with increased implementation and recommendations for their use in dental practices.
Study Design
This cross-sectional study used a self-administered questionnaire to assist dental professionals' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding subscription-based membership plans for preventive care. The questionnaire consisted of three main sections:
Participants
A total of 230 participants were surveyed, including 110 dental students (48%), 90 private practitioners (39%) and 30 academic faculty members (13%). Participants were selected based on their active involvement in dental practice or education. Exclusion criteria included individuals who were not currently involved in dentistry.
Data Collection
The survey was administered online and in person, utilizing closed-ended and Likert-type questions. Responses were gathered based on the participants’ knowledge of subscription-based models, attitudes toward integrating them into practice and actual use or plans to implement such models. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics.
Data Analysis
The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, distributions and The relationship between knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding subscription-based models was also explored.
Ethical Considerations
The study was approved by the institutional ethics board, ensuring that the research adhered to ethical standards for conducting human research. Participants were provided with a detailed information sheet outlining the purpose of the study, the nature of their involvement and the voluntary nature of participation. Informed consent was obtained from all participants, ensuring they were aware of their right to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty. All responses were kept anonymous, with no identifying information collected to ensure confidentiality. Data was stored securely and access was restricted to the research team. Participants were informed that their responses would be used solely for research purposes and that their anonymity would be maintained throughout the process.
Additionally, no conflicts of interest were reported by the researchers and no funding sources were involved in supporting the study. The researchers declared that they had no financial or personal interests that could have influenced the study’s design, implementation, or interpretation of the results. Ethical compliance was closely monitored throughout the study to ensure transparency and to maintain the integrity of the research process.
Demographics
The sample comprised 230 participants with a gender distribution of 55% male (126) and 45% female (104). Most respondents were dental students (48%), private practitioners (39%) and academic faculty (13%).
Knowledge Assessment
The majority, 60% of participants, were familiar with subscription-based models for preventive dental care, with 15% reporting no familiarity at all. Approximately 72% of participants agreed that these models could significantly reduce Reliance on traditional insurance by providing more predictable and affordable care. Furthermore, 68% of respondents believe subscription-based models improve patient engagement and preventive care (Table 1).
Table 1: Knowledge Assessment of Participants
|
Statement |
Strongly Disagree |
Disagree |
Neutral |
Agree |
Strongly Agree |
|
I am familiar with subscription-based models in dentistry |
8 (3.5%) |
22 (9.6%) |
50 (21.7%) |
122(53.0%) |
28 (12.2%) |
|
Subscription-based models can reduce reliance on insurance |
4 (1.7%) |
18 (7.8%) |
34 (14.8%) |
139 (60.4%) |
35 (15.2%) |
|
Subscription-based models can improve patient engagement in care |
5 (2.2%) |
19 (8.3%) |
44 (19.1%) |
121 (52.6%) |
41 (17.8%) |
Attitude Assessment
Most of the study participants expressed a positive attitude toward the potential benefits of these models. About 65% of respondents believe these models could make preventive dental care more accessible to patients. However, 35% of participants were unsure about their effectiveness in reducing insurance costs, suggesting some hesitancy toward full implementation (Table 2).
Table 2: Attitude Assessment of Participants
|
Statement |
Strongly Disagree |
Disagree |
Neutral |
Agree |
Strongly Agree |
|
Subscription models can increase accessibility to preventive care |
6 (2.6%) |
14 (6.1%) |
41 (17.8%) |
122 (53.0%) |
47 (20.4%) |
|
I am confident in recommending subscription-based plans to patients |
12 (5.2%) |
25 (10.9%) |
72 (31.3%) |
96 (41.7%) |
25 (10.9%) |
|
Subscription-based models could reduce the financial burden of dental care |
9 (3.9%) |
16 (7.0%) |
58 (25.2%) |
109 (47.4%) |
38 (16.5%) |
Practice Assessment
Approximately 45% of participants had recommended subscription-based plans to patients, while 55% had not adopted these models in their regular dental practices. However, 62% of respondents indicated they would be open to incorporating subscription models into their future practices (Table 3 and 4).
Table 3: Practice Assessment of Participants
|
Statement |
Yes |
No |
Maybe |
|
Have you recommended subscription-based models to patients? |
104 |
126 |
0 |
|
-45% |
-55% |
||
|
Do you plan to incorporate subscription-based models into your practice? |
143 |
87 |
0 |
|
-62% |
-38% |
||
|
Are you comfortable discussing subscription-based models with patients? |
132 |
98 |
0 |
|
-57% |
-43% |
Table 4: Self-Rated Proficiency in Recommending Subscription Models
|
Proficiency Level |
Frequency |
Percentage |
|
1 (Not Proficient) |
17 |
7.40% |
|
2 (Low Proficiency) |
38 |
16.50% |
|
3 (Moderate Proficiency) |
87 |
37.80% |
|
4 (High Proficiency) |
62 |
26.90% |
|
5 (Very High Proficiency) |
26 |
11.30% |
The study's findings indicate a growing awareness of subscription-based models in dentistry. While potential benefits, such as improved accessibility to care and reduced Reliance on insurance, are recognized, there is a gap in implementation and professional confidence in recommending these plans. Despite the relatively high levels of awareness, only 45% of participants had recommended these models to patients, suggesting that further education and training are needed.
Barriers to adoption include uncertainty about the financial implications for practices, lack of experience in implementing such models and the general reluctance to move away from traditional insurance systems; nonetheless, a majority of participants 62% expressed interest in incorporating subscription-based models into their further practices, indicating a trend toward greater adoption in the future. These barriers are also described by Kruse et al. [9].
As Kirubakaran et al. [10] highlighted, subscription-based healthcare models enable cost-effective and innovative remote monitoring, demonstrating their potential to improve healthcare accessibility. Similarly, integrating such models in dentistry could facilitate timely preventive care and reduce the economic burden on patients.
Historically, dental insurance has played a crucial role in determining dental care utilization. Berger [11] underscored the impact of prepaid dental plans on access to care, highlighting that such models can mitigate financial barriers and promote routine visits. More recent research by Manski and Cooper [12] further supports this notion, showing that dental insurance significantly influences the frequency of dental visits. However, while traditional dental insurance provides financial security, it often has limitations, such as coverage restrictions and administrative complexities. In contrast, subscription-based dental plans offer a more straightforward and predictable payment structure, potentially increasing patient adherence to regular dental visits.
Garla et al. [13] conducted a systematic review of dental insurance, revealing that while insurance enhances access to care, it does not necessarily improve preventive behaviors. This underscores the potential advantage of subscription-based models, which encourage preventive visits by eliminating concerns over deductibles and claim processing. The results of this study suggest that patients enrolled in subscription-based models exhibit greater compliance with routine dental visits, aligning with the premise that financial predictability enhances patient engagement in preventive care.
Furthermore, patient anxiety and psychological factors play a critical role in healthcare utilization. Katsohiraki et al. [14] examined preoperative anxiety levels in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery, emphasizing the influence of psychological factors on healthcare decisions. In dentistry, subscription-based models may alleviate financial and psychological stress associated with unexpected dental expenses, fostering a more proactive approach to oral health maintenance.
Actionable Recommendations for Dental Professionals
Future Aims and Scope
Constructing upon the research’s findings, future research should explore integrating emerging digital technologies in subscription-based dental care. Kashwani and Sawhney [15] emphasize the prospective of blockchain NFTs and cryptocurrency in dental medicine, suggesting that localized finance models might foster streamlined mechanisms and raise subscription plans. Also, Kashwani et al. [16] highlighted the role of increased AR and VR use in gaining popularity among users for this model. Sawhney et al . [17] suggested in the context of improving oral cancer outcomes. AI-driven prophetic analytics might make patients assess a higher chance of dental diseases. Kashwani et al. [18] explored the Role of artificial intelligence metaverse teledentistry and 3-D impression in reshaping dental charges, highlighting their prospective synergism with subscription-based models for better availability and productivity. Kashwani et al. [19] bear underscored the grandness of modern discourse approaches such as the CRISPR gene. Future research should investigate how subscription-based plans can incorporate these advanced therapeutic options to offer comprehensive value-driven dental care packages. Future research should develop a holistic framework combining digital advancements, Foretelling analytics and novel treatment modalities within subscription-based models. Involving blockchain, artificial intelligence AR/VR can help proliferate the subscription-based models
Our research suggests that dental professionals are generally aware of subscription-based Models. We recognize that representations are needed for preventive care and their potential to reduce reliance on insurance while improving patient engagement. Notwithstanding, more excellent pedagogy and education are necessary to increase trust in recommending these Representations and help their execution. With increased professional development, subscription-based models could become essential to preventive dental care, offering a more sustainable and patient-centric approach to oral health management.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest in the conduct and reporting of this study. The research was conducted independently, with no financial or personal relationships that could have influenced the study's design, data analysis, or interpretation of results.
In addition, the study was not funded by any external organizations or commercial entities. The authors did not receive financial support or any other form of compensation from industry sponsors. All research activities, including data collection, analysis and manuscript preparation, were carried out by the authors without external influence.
We would like to thank the Deanship of Scientific Research at Prince Sattam Bin Abdul Aziz University in Al-Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for their support in facilitating this research.
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