Malmquist Total Factor Productivity Index: An Application in Oral and Dental Health Centers

Objective: Oral and dental diseases are among the most common non-communicable diseases in the world and are one of the major global public health problems. The aim of this research is to determine the changes in productivity levels of the Oral and Dental Health Centers (ODHC) of the Ministry of Health in Turkey in the 5-year period between 2014-2018. Material-Method: The universe of the research consists of ODHC in Turkey, which continued its activities continuously between 2014 and 2018 and reached the capacity of 50 units and more in 2017. In the study, the entire universe that had not been sampled was reached. The Malmquist Total Factor Productivity Index (MI) was used to detect changes in productivity levels in the study. Results: ME analysis found that ODHC's total factor productivity (TFP) increased by 3.8% in the period 2014-2018. Productivity increases in technological change observed in all periods except the 2014-2015 period also led to a positive change in TFP. The increase in technological change indicates that the input-output compositions in the production processes of the ODHCs give positive signals. Furthermore, in other periods other than 2014-2015, there has been a negative change in technical efficiency. Conclusions: Each 1-degree increase in efficiency scores will contribute significantly to the performance of ODHCs. Therefore, in order to increase the efficiency of ODHC in Turkey; manpower, capital, medical technology etc. health policies should be developed to increase the output levels that are insufficient by ensuring optimum benefits from resources, reducing the differences between regions to a minimum, withdrawing resources from areas where they are used inefficiently to areas where they are used efficiently, preventing waste and making the necessary plan.