Transforming epidemiology into service needs: results of the 6th German Oral Health Study (DMS • 6).

OBJECTIVES

Understanding population-level dental service needs is essential for planning and optimizing dental care. Building on a previously validated model, this study aimed to quantify current dental service needs in the statutory health insurance system in Germany using updated epidemiologic data from the German Oral Health Study (DMS).

METHOD AND MATERIALS: Secondary analyses of data from DMS III, IV, V, and DMS • 6 were performed. The analyses focused on operative, prosthetic, and periodontal services and their subcomponents stratified according to age groups: younger adults (35- to 44-year-olds) and younger seniors (65- to 74-year-olds). Service needs were derived from morbidity indicators such as decayed, filled, and missing teeth; root caries and root fillings; and periodontally compromised teeth. These indicators were linked to population data and adjusted for utilization patterns and statutory health insurance coverage, resulting in expected number of service units and workload hours.

RESULTS

Between DMS III and DMS • 6, the total annual dental service needs remained stable (approximately 44 million service units) but shifted markedly between age groups. In younger adults, the number of service units declined by 40%, as did the expected clinical workload needed to fulfill the service requirements. In contrast, in younger seniors, the number of dental service units needed doubled (from 12.3 to 24.8 million), and the expected workload in hours increased significantly. Reductions in restorative and prosthetic services were observed in younger adults, whereas younger seniors showed an increase in the use of fixed dental prostheses and periodontal services. The root-caries-related treatment time increased substantially. The need for full dental prostheses declined sharply.

CONCLUSION

DMS • 6 confirms the redistribution of dental service needs in Germany from adults to older dentate populations. This shift has implications for service delivery, workforce training, and financing. (Quintessence Int 2026;57(Suppl):S126-S132; doi: 10.3290/j.qi.b6955517).