Question

why are oral diseases considered a public health problem in need of a public health solution?

Answer 1

Public Health is a non-clinical specialty in dentistry that deals with preventing oral disease and promoting oral health. Oral Public Health participates in the assessment of key dental needs and provides effective solutions to improve the health of the population, not the population.

Prevention is becoming increasingly important. Oral disease is largely preventable and the burden of the healthcare system is increasing. Oral public health goes beyond the role of the dental practitioner for the treatment of dental disease and seeks to reduce the need for the health system by diverting resources to priority areas. All countries around the world face similar dental problems. The implementation of different policies and principles depends on the resources available. Like public health, understanding the many factors affecting health will help to implement effective strategies.

Public health dentistry is usually implemented through government-sponsored programs that mainly target children in public schools, with the belief that their oral health education is the best way to reach the general public. . A model for such programs in the past is the annual visit of the dentist to the school to teach and demonstrate proper tooth brushing techniques. A more modern program emerged in the 1970s, which included a one-hour course with instruction, guidance and questions and answers provided by a dentist and dental assistant and assisted by a teacher who had received many mentors. An oral health education TV program is also used that parents are encouraged to follow.