Objective: To determine utilization trends in diagnostic services over a seven-year period. Methods: Student t-test and regression analysis were used to compare and analyze trends in the utilization of diagnostic services from claims data submitted by dentists for services provided to commercially insured patients from January 1996 through December 2002. Results: 8.7 million diagnostic services were provided to 1.3 million persons: 54% female, 46% male. 55% of these services were provided to females, 45% to males. Mean patient age was 32 for females, 31 for males. Statistically significant increasing trends in the overall utilization of diagnostic services by all patients, by male or female patients considered separately, and by patients < 35 years and ³35 considered separately, were found. There were statistically significant increasing trends in the relative frequency of limited and problem focused exams and full mouth and panoramic x-rays, and statistically significant decreasing trends in the relative frequency of periodic exams, and periapical and bitewing x-rays. Significantly fewer males than females received diagnostic services. Males with diagnostic services were provided on average fewer services per patient than females. Persons ³35 years received on average more diagnostic services per patient. Conclusion: Age and gender are important variables affecting diagnostic service utilization. Overall utilization of diagnostic services is increasing among commercially insured individuals.

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