scholarly journals Oral Health & Dentistry in Bhutan: call for actions to address a public health urgency

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-46
Author(s):  
Karma Tenzin ◽  
Tshewang Gyeltshen ◽  
Gyan P Bajgai ◽  
Sonam Nyedup ◽  
Choki Choki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
World Health ◽  
Policy Dialogue ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Oral Health Services ◽  
Oral Health Policy

Introduction: Bhutan’s healthcare approach in achieving the sustainable development goal 3 (SDG 3) has been largely through primary healthcare as enshrined in the universal health coverage (UHC). Bhutan has forged a unique primary healthcare model in which oral health is integrated in its primary care initiatives. The Oral Health program under the Department of public health was established in 1999 with clear line objectives. The program has achieved commendable successes over the years. However, with changing needs, enhancing and mainstreaming of oral health and dentistry in the country must be accorded a top priority. This is particularly important as the Oral Health Policy and service standards were drafted fourteen years ago in 2007. The 2021 World Health Orgnization (WHO) agreement “to provide basic oral health services to all”, to which Bhutan is signatory, needs to be strictly implemented. Therefore, oral health dialogue was conducted to deliberate on the oral health systems in the country with experts from the field who were from within and outside Bhutan. This oral health policy dialogue generated important themes such as strategic and competent workforce, capacity development, need to transform oral health services in more people centric ways and mainstreaming oral health in other health policies.

scholarly journals Does the implementation of a national oral health policy reduce inequalities in oral health services utilization? The Brazilian experience

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Helena Rodrigues Galvão ◽  
Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Services Utilization ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Services Utilization ◽  
Index Of Inequality ◽  
Oral Health Services ◽  
Oral Health Policy

Abstract Background This study aimed to assess the trend in income-related inequalities in oral health services utilization by the Brazilian population from 1998 to 2013. This period represents a timeline that includes different stages of implementation of the National Oral Health Policy. Methods The design was based on repeated cross-sectional surveys using secondary data from household-based studies carried out in Brazil in 1998, 2003, 2008, and 2013. The dependent variable was “having access to a dentist appointment at least once in a lifetime (yes/no).” Monthly household per capita income, based on Brazil’s minimum wage, was included as the main independent variable. To measure the inequalities in oral health access related to economic position, the following complex indexes based on regression were used: (a) the slope index of inequality (SII) and (b) the relative index of inequality (RII). Results There was a reduction in the percentage of individuals who never had a dentist appointment for all age groups and income classifications. In general, there was a reduction trend in absolute inequality for all age groups (p < 0.001). The relative inequality and reduction trend were different between the age groups studied. Conclusions The National Oral Health Policy was very important for expanding free of charge, public access to dental appointment. However, despite policy implementation, there continues to be high levels of inequality in access to dental consultation. Assessing which strategies are necessary to overcome this challenge is discussed.

scholarly journals Oral health for healthy aging

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shyh Poh Teo
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Global Strategy ◽  
Oral Disease ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Oral Diseases ◽  
Primary Care Settings

During the 74th World Health Assembly, a resolution was passed aiming to achieve better oral health as part of universal health coverage, with plans to draft a global strategy and action plan. Oral diseases are a significant problem globally, with implications for older people’s health and quality of life. Oral health is important for healthy aging. Integration of oral health into primary care settings and use of a life-course approach have been shown to be effective in the 8020 campaign in Japan. Accurate data on prevalence of oral disease is required to monitor effectiveness of public health approaches, which should be segregated based on setting, sociodemographic status, and comorbidities. These public health approaches should also be adapted and tailored for implementation during the current COVID-19 pandemic. These considerations are essential to progress the agenda of oral health for healthy aging.

scholarly journals Influence of Public Oral Health Services and Socioeconomic Indicators on the Frequency of Hospitalization and Deaths due to Oral Cancer in Brazil, between 2002–2017

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 238
Author(s):  
Aldelany R. Freire ◽  
Deborah E. W. G. Freire ◽  
Elza C. F. de Araújo ◽  
Edson H. G. de Lucena ◽  
Yuri W. Cavalcanti
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Oral Cancer ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Socioeconomic Indicators ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Oral Health Services

Background: Oral cancer is a frequent neoplasm worldwide, and socioeconomic factors and access to health services may be associated with its risk. Aim: To analyze effect of socioeconomic variables and the influence of public oral health services availability on the frequency of new hospitalized cases and mortality of oral cancer in Brazil. Materials and Methods: This observational study analyzed all Brazilian cities with at least one hospitalized case of oral cancer in the National Cancer Institute database (2002–2017). For each city were collected: population size, Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI), Gini Coefficient, oral health coverage in primary care, number of Dental Specialized Centers (DSC) and absolute frequency of deaths after one year of the first treatment. The risk ratio was determined by COX regression, and the effect of the predictor variables on the incidence of cases was verified by the Hazard Ratio measure. Poisson regression was used to determine factors associated with higher mortality frequency. Results: Cities above 50,000 inhabitants, with high or very high MHDI, more unequal (Gini > 0.4), with less oral health coverage in primary care (<50%) and without DSC had a greater accumulated risk of having 1 or more cases (p < 0.001). Higher frequency of deaths was also associated with higher population size, higher MHDI, higher Gini and lower oral health coverage in primary care (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The number hospitalization and deaths due to oral cancer in Brazil was influenced by the cities’ population size, the population’s socioeconomic status and the availability of public dental services.

Universal access to oral health care for Australian children: comparison of travel times to public dental services at consecutive census dates as an indicator of progressive realisation

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 109
Author(s):  
Gillian Jean ◽  
Estie Kruger ◽  
Marc Tennant
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Travel Time ◽  
World Health ◽  
Travel Times ◽  
Dental Clinic ◽  
Spatial Access ◽  
Dental Services ◽  
Disadvantaged Groups ◽  
Oral Health Services

Progressive realisation of equitable access to health services is a fundamental measure of a state’s resolve to achieve universal health coverage. The World Health Organization has reprioritised the importance of oral health services as an integral element of the roadmap towards health equity. This study sought to determine whether there is an indication of progressive realisation of equitable spatial access to public dental services for Australians &lt;18 years of age through a comparison of travel times to the nearest public dental clinic at successive census dates. The distribution of children classified by rural remoteness and level of socioeconomic disadvantage, as well as the location of public dental clinics at the 2011 and 2016 Australian Bureau of Statistics censuses, was mapped using geographic imaging software. OpenRouteService software was used to calculate the travel time by car between each statistical census district and the nearest public dental clinic. There has been an improvement in the percentage of the population &lt;18 years of age living within a reasonable travel time of a public dental clinic. The most socioeconomically disadvantaged groups in more densely populated areas have better spatial access to publicly funded dental services than less disadvantaged groups. Children living in very remote areas continue to experience lengthy travel times to access fixed oral health services.

scholarly journals Epidemiological profile of patients utilising public oral health services in Limpopo province, South Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence K. Thema ◽  
Shenuka Singh
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
World Health ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Oral Diseases ◽  
District Hospitals ◽  
Oral Health Services ◽  
Epidemiological Profile ◽  
The Impact

Background: Despite the impact of oral diseases on the quality of life, there is limited updated evidence on oral health status in Limpopo province.Objectives: To determine the epidemiological profile of patients utilising public oral health services in Limpopo province.Method: This was a descriptive retrospective clinical chart review conducted in five purposively selected district hospitals in Limpopo province. The collected data included the patient’s sociodemographic information, reasons for dental consultation, information on the dental or oral diseases and the treatment received. Five hundred clinical files were systematically selected (100 from each district hospital) for the period 01 January 1995 to 31 December 2013. Data were collected using the World Health Organization’s indicator age groups, namely 6-year-olds, 12-year-olds, 18-year-olds and 35–44-year-old groups. A data capturing sheet was used to record the collected information. Data were analysed using the statistical software package for social sciences SPSS version 23.0.Results: The majority of patients were in the age group of 6 to 20 years (n = 375, 75%). The majority were male patients (n = 309; 62%). Dental caries was the most common complaint (n = 298, 60%). The second most common main complaint in this age group was retained primary or deciduous teeth (n = 60, 12%) affecting children mainly in the age group of 6 to 12 years. The most common clinical procedure across all five districts was dental extractions (n = 324, 64%). Other clinical interventions included scaling and polishing (n = 33, 12%) and dental restorative care (n = 20, 3%).Conclusion: There is an urgent need to reorient oral health service delivery in Limpopo province to focus more on preventive oral health programmes.

scholarly journals Challenges in Oral Health Provision and Utilization in the Australian Indigenous Population: A Scoping Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peivand Bastani ◽  
Yaser Sarikhani ◽  
Arash Ghanbarzadegan ◽  
Faeze Ostovar ◽  
Lisa Jamieson
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Indigenous Populations ◽  
Indigenous Australians ◽  
Service Access ◽  
Indigenous Australian ◽  
Oral Health Services

Abstract Background Oral health is a vital area of public health. Access to dental services are particularly important among Indigenous populations at a global level. This scoping review aimed to investigate challenges in the provision and utilization of oral health services among Indigenous Australians. The findings may be an important contribution to the literature and facilitate policymakers in reducing inequities in dental service access and utilisation among this vulnerable population. Methods This scoping review was conducted up to June 10, 2020. Five main databases were searched, including PUBMED, SCOPUS, ISI Web of Science, EMBASE and PROQUEST. The main key words were: oral health, dental health, utilization, provision, access, Indigenous, Native, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. Arksey and O’Malley`s protocol was applied, which comprises 5 steps of: (1) identifying the research question; (2) identifying relevant studies; (3) study selection; (4) charting the data and collating and; (5) summarising and reporting results. Thematic analysis was used to summarize and analyse the data applying MAX QDA10 software for qualitative data analysis. For a better understanding of the themes and subthemes, a thematic network was presented. Results Results show that there are six main themes and fourteen sub-themes affecting Indigenous Australians` utilization and provision of oral health services. Personal characteristics, Socio-economic status and challenges regarding access were that the main factors influencing utilization of oral health services. The findings suggest that challenges relating to public health, policymaking and service provision can affect Indigenous Australians provision to oral health services. Conclusion Benefits in Indigenous Australian access and utilization of oral health services may improve if policy makers at both national and local levels increase resourcing in this important public health sector. A deeper understanding of the social and cultural nuances driving Indigenous Australians’ reluctance to attend for dental care is crucial.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Knowledge and Assessment of Pregnant Women with the Utilization of Dental Health Services

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 177-179
Author(s):  
Aprilia Martha Bakoil ◽  
Dinah Charlota Lerik ◽  
Sabina Gero
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Dental Health ◽  
Oral Disease ◽  
Health Maintenance ◽  
Dental Health Services ◽  
Oral Health Services ◽  
The Relationship

Improving the optimal health status requires commitment and continuous effort so that a sub-standard development goals (SDGS) program is formed, one of which aims to tackle health problems in pregnant women. Dental and oral disease during pregnancy is a public health problem. The incidence of dental and oral diseases during this period is due to a lack of knowledge about oral health maintenance. The low use of service facilities by the community is related to treatment seeking behavior and ill-health concepts from the community. The purpose of the study was to analyze the relationship of knowledge and assessment of pregnant women with the use of dental health services at the Dental Clinic at the Health Centers in Kupang City. The design of this research was cross-sectional. The samples were 250 respondents, selected using proportional random sampling technique. Data were collected using a questionnaire as an instrument, then analyzed using ordinal regression test. Based on the data analysis results, it could be concluded that there was relationship between knowledge and assessment of pregnant women with the utilization of dental and oral health services in Public Health Center in Kupang City. Keywords: knowledge; pregnant women; utilization; dental and oral health services

Public Oral Health Services Coverage and Socioeconomic Indicators’ Effect on The Number of Hospitalized Cases of Oral Cancer in Brazil

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aldelany Ramalho Freire ◽  
Deborah Ellen Wanderley Gomes Freire ◽  
Elza Cristina Farias de Araújo ◽  
Edson Hilan Gomes de Lucena ◽  
Yuri Wanderley Cavalcanti
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Oral Cancer ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Predictor Variables ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Socioeconomic Indicators ◽  
Oral Health Services

Abstract Background: Oral cancer still representing one of the most frequent neoplasms worldwide, especially in developing countries. Socioeconomic factors and access to health services may be associated with the risk of oral cancer. This study analyzed the frequency of new hospitalized cases of oral cancer in Brazil, according to socioeconomic variables and data on oral health coverage in its public health system. Methods: Observational study, with a retrospective cohort design, whose sampling units was composed of all Brazilian cities that registered at least one hospitalized case of oral cancer in the National Cancer Institute database, between 2002-2017. For each city included, were collected the population size, Municipal Human Development Index (M-HDI), Gini Coefficient, as well as data regarding oral health coverage in primary care and the number of Dental Specialized Center (DSC). The COX regression was used to determine the risk ratio for a city to present a new hospitalized case of oral cancer, and the effect of the predictor variables on the incidence of cases was verified by the Hazard Ratio measure. Accumulated risk curves were obtained for the adjusted model, and for each variable. Results: All predictor variables were considered significant in the regression model (p<0.05). Cities above 50 thousand inhabitants, with high or very high M-HDI, more unequal (Gini>0.4), with less oral health coverage in primary care (<50%) and without the presence of DSC demonstrated a greater accumulated risk of having 1 or more hospitalized cases of oral cancer. Conclusions: The risk of hospitalization for oral cancer in Brazil is greater in cities with a larger population size, more developed, with greater inequality of income distribution and with less availability of public oral health services.

scholarly journals Oral health in the agenda of priorities in public health

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
José Leopoldo Ferreira Antunes ◽  
Tatiana Natasha Toporcov ◽  
João Luiz Bastos ◽  
Paulo Frazão ◽  
Paulo Capel Narvai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Dental Caries ◽  
Periodontal Disease ◽  
Scientific Production ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Review Study ◽  
Oral Health Policy ◽  
Scientific Interaction

ABSTRACT This study describes the scientific production on oral health diffused in Revista de Saúde Pública, in the 50 years of its publication. A narrative review study was carried out using PubMed, as it is the search database that indexes all issues of the journal. From 1967 to 2015, 162 manuscripts specifically focused on oral health themes were published. This theme was present in all volumes of the journal, with increasing participation over the years. Dental caries was the most studied theme, constantly present in the journal since its first issue. Periodontal disease, fluorosis, malocclusions, and other themes emerged even before the decline of dental caries indicators. Oral health policy is the most recurring theme in the last two decades. Revista de Saúde Pública has been an important vehicle for dissemination, communication, and reflection on oral health, contributing in a relevant way to the technical-scientific interaction between professionals in this field.

scholarly journals During the COVID-19 pandemic, oral health services including routine treatment may continue but must follow established international and South African protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (7) ◽  
pp. 351-352
Author(s):  
KC Makhubele
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
South African ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
World Health ◽  
Oral Diseases ◽  
The World ◽  
Oral Health Services ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Systemic Health

The South African Dental Association (SADA) hereby responds to the statement released by the World Health Organization (WHO): Considerations for the provision of essential oral health services in the context of COVID-19, on 7th August 2020. After careful consideration and in consultation with workstreams working in various protocols regarding the provision of oral health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, SADA respectfully yet strongly disagrees with the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation to delay "routine" dental care in certain situations due to COVID-19. A blanket statement such as the recent one by the WHO cannot, therefore, be supported. It is without a doubt that oral health is integral to overall health and neglect and delay of certain treatments may lead to extensive damage and increased financial implications to correct. Consequently, dentistry is essential healthcare, because of its role in evaluating, diagnosing, preventing or treating oral diseases, which can adversely affect systemic health. Each country is at a different stage of the pandemic and each country has to respond appropriately based on its assessment of its unique situation.

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