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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.