Knowledge and perception of oral health professionals regarding the National Health Insurance

Oral health professionals (OHPs) are key stakeholders in the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) in South Africa. Therefore, the views of this cohort on the NHI are invaluable to the successful implementation of the programme.The aim of the study was to explore the perception of OHPs regarding the NHI. This national study was conducted with eligible OHPs in South Africa. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with 377 OHPs. Data was collected using an electronic semi structured questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 28 was used to analyse data. Of the 377 respondents, the majority were female (58.9%), dentists or specialists (52.0%), public sector employees (53.6%), had a postgraduate qualification (58.4%) and had a maximum 10 years’ working experience (67.6%). Overall, most participants (231 = 61.3%) were knowledgeable and had positive expectations about the NHI. Yet, 180 (47.7%) perceived the NHI would have a deleterious impact on the private sector and oral health in general 203 (53.8%). A total of 165 (43.8%) OHPs believed the NHI would fail, while 287 (76.1%) thought the NHI should be amended or combined (210 = 55.7%) with existing medical schemes. OHPs were knowledgeable and positive about the NHI. However, serious concerns prevail in this cohort regarding implementation and impact of the NHI, especially in the private sector