The Influence of Socio-Economic Status and Financial Support Policies on the Utilisation of Preventive Dental Services for Children: Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Oral health is an essential component of children’s general health and well-being, with dental caries remaining one of the most prevalent and largely preventable oral diseases worldwide. Despite the availability of preventive dental services and financial support policies, disparities in access and utilisation remain evident across socioeconomic groups. This study aims to systematically review the influence of socio-economic status and financial support policies on the utilisation of preventive dental services among children and adolescents. The method used is a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, with searches conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. A search across the four databases identified 291 records, of which 170 were removed before screening. The remaining 87 records underwent title and abstract screening, followed by full-text assessment. Of the 87 full-text reports assessed, 24 studies met the predefined eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. The included studies demonstrated a consistent socioeconomic gradient in pediatric dental service utilisation, with children from higher socioeconomic backgrounds more likely to receive preventive dental care. Parental education and household income were identified as important determinants of dental attendance and access to care. Financial support mechanisms, including dental insurance and government subsidies, were associated with improved utilisation, although financial assistance alone did not fully eliminate socioeconomic disparities. Workplace support, particularly access to paid sick leave, also facilitated children’s preventive and diagnostic dental visits. Non-financial barriers, including limited oral health literacy, lack of time, inconvenience, and perceived treatment costs, continued to influence dental care-seeking behaviour. Overall, socio-economic status is an important determinant of children’s utilisation of preventive dental services. Financial support policies can facilitate access, but integrated strategies addressing educational, structural, financial, and time-related barriers are needed to promote equitable pediatric oral healthcare.