Abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by Dr Trevor Watts
Abstract
A different approach to dental need assessment led to a lower estimate of needs in Thai children.
Main
Gherunpong S, Tsakos G et al. In J Paediatr Dent 2006; 16: 81–88
Because dental treatment is expensive, varying from 3% to 13% of total health expenditure in EU countries, the cost is prohibitive in low-income countries, and a different approach to oral health is needed in countries such as Thailand, where this study was based. Three types of need were considered: normative (NN: related to clinical impairment), impact-related (IRN: NN + quality of life) and propensity-related (PRN: IRN + behavioural factors; an assessment of likely treatment effectiveness).
All final year primary school children (mean age 11.3 yrs) in a Thai province were approached, and 1,034 of 1,126 completed examinations and questionnaires. At least one type of NN was present in 99.5%, the commonest being for scaling (84.4%). NN for emergency or progressive conditions (such as caries) was identified in 54.4%, but only 16.6% of those had a high PRN. IRN affecting quality of life was identified in 30.9%. The authors consider the sociodental approach to be appropriate for the population tested, and likely to direct resources where they will be most effective.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
A sociodental approach to assessing dental needs of children: concept and models. Br Dent J 200, 499 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4813565
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4813565