OBJECTIVES : The household expenditure (HE) is a determinant for particular problems of people living in poverty, such as inequalities in the use of dental services (UDS). The purpose of this study was to analyze the inequalities in the UDS according to HE in Peru between 2004 and 2015.

METHODS : A cross-sectional, secondary data analysis study from the National Household Survey (ENAHO), prepared by the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics of Peru was conducted to estimate the proportion of UDS at national level and according to HE (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 and Q5); in addition, concentration curves (CC) and concentration indices (CI) of the UDS according to HE were calculated, as well as the Multiple Comparison Approach (MCA) test, to establish dominance between the years 2004 and 2015. The total number of respondents in the study years was 86455 (2004) and 119515 (2015).

RESULTS : The proportion of the Peruvian population that used dental services increased 2.4% between 2004 and 2015 (4.24% vs. 6.64%); according to the HE, the UDS increased 1.21% and 2.25% in Q1 and Q5 respectively. The CC of 2015 progressed towards the equality line, which was tested with MCA being significant (2015 curve dominates 2004), indicating a decrease in inequality levels. Likewise, the CIs showed an approach towards the equality line, from 0.274 in 2004 to 0.198 in 2015 with an IC difference of -0.076.

CONCLUSIONS : The percentage of UDS in the peruvian population was low in both years of study, in addition it is concentrated in the rich. However, the gap of UDS between rich and poor has been reduced considerably between 2004 and 2015. Despite this, it is necessary to focus strategies for a greater reduction that allows a health system with equal opportunities of access to dental services between the poor and the rich.