Consumption habits of dental services in Colombia 2023

Dental services are an important part of people's health and well-being, but they are also a market with a great deal of competition and diversity of offers. How do Colombian consumers behave when faced with the demand for dental services? What factors influence their decision to choose one provider or another? What trends are projected for the year 2023?

This report aims to answer these questions, based on secondary sources of information and an analysis of available data. The objective is to provide an overview of the consumption habits of dental services in Colombia, as well as to identify opportunities and challenges for providers in the sector.

The current context: the pandemic and its effects

The year 2020 marked a turning point in the history of mankind, due to the outbreak of the SarsCov2 pandemic, which affected all areas of social and economic life. The health sector was one of the hardest hit by the health crisis, and within it, dental services suffered a sharp drop in demand and supply.

According to the report «A comparative look at dental services in Colombia and other countries, in the context of the SarsCov2 pandemic», published by the University of Antioquia, oral health services in many countries are not part of social security care plans, and therefore depend on out-of-pocket spending by families. published by the University of Antioquia, oral health services in many countries are not part of social security care plans, and therefore depend on out-of-pocket spending by families. In Colombia, the Mandatory Health Plan (POS) only covers some basic oral health benefits, such as exodontia, prophylaxis and fluoridation.

This implies that most dental services are considered aesthetic or sumptuary services and, therefore, are susceptible to being postponed or cancelled in the face of economic or health uncertainty. This is reflected in data from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), which show that between March and June 2020, the real production index of the health sector fell by 31%, with the dental subsector being the most affected with a drop of 76%.

In addition, the pandemic generated a change in consumers' priorities and perceptions regarding dental services. On the one hand, there was an increased fear of contagion due to close contact with healthcare personnel and the sharing of instruments and facilities. On the other hand, the need or desire to access esthetic or preventive services was reduced due to confinement, teleworking and the mandatory use of masks.

These factors caused a significant decrease in the demand for dental services during the year 2020, which was reflected in lower occupancy and profitability of dental offices and clinics. According to a survey conducted by the Colombian Dental Federation (FOC), 90% of dentists reported a decrease in their income during the pandemic, and 70% had to resort to credits or grants to sustain their activity.

Faced with this scenario, dental providers had to adapt quickly to the new market conditions, implementing biosecurity measures, care protocols, digital strategies and differentiated offers to attract and retain customers. Some examples are:

- Mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N95 or KN95 masks, gloves, caps, gowns and goggles for dental personnel is mandatory.