[Proposal to reorder dental health care in the National Health System. The experience of Toledo's "Unidad de Medicina y Cirugía Oral".] / Propuesta para reordenar la asistencia sanitaria odontológica en el Sistema Nacional de Salud. La experiencia de la unidad de Medicina y Cirugía Oral de Toledo.

The portfolio of services in Oral Health of the National Health System (SNS in Spanish) is very broad and includes different areas of assistance. The focus of the System managers has focused on improving dental health benefits for children. The relevance that Children´s Dental Assistance Programs (PADI, Planes de Atención Dental Infantil in Spanish) have been acquiring in the oral care of the SNS has led to the resources being directed towards the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dental pathology in the child population. The structure in Unidades de Salud Bucodental focused on strictly dental pathology does not allow the development of all health services. There is a large number of services that within the oral benefits provided by Primary Care are diverted to other hospital services or that are not even provided. Different experiences have been developed in different autonomous Health Systems to improve these benefits. Since 2012, the Toledo Unidad de Medicina y Cirugía Oral has carried out actions that have managed to improve oral care for the population, thus improving their general health. This Unit allows resources to be allocated to those activities that require training and guidance in the more medical-surgical than dental service. We recommend the implementation of services of this type within Primary Services to improve the provision of oral health services.

La cartera de servicios en Salud Bucodental del Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS) es muy amplia y contempla distintas áreas de asistencia. El foco de los gestores del Sistema desde hace décadas se ha centrado en mejorar las prestaciones de salud dental en población infantil. La importancia que los Planes de Atención Dental Infantil (PADI) han ido adquiriendo en la asistencia Bucodental del SNS ha hecho que los recursos se orienten a la prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la patología dentaria de la población infantil. La estructura en Unidades de Salud Bucodental centradas en la patología estrictamente dentaria no permite desarrollar todas las prestaciones sanitarias. Existe una gran cantidad de servicios que dentro de las prestaciones bucodentales que tiene la Atención Primaria (AP) se desvían a otros servicios hospitalarios o que incluso no se prestan. En diferentes sistemas de salud autonómicos se han desarrollado experiencias para conseguir mejorar estas prestaciones. Desde 2012, la Unidad de Medicina y Cirugía Oral de Toledo realiza acciones que han conseguido mejorar la asistencia bucodental de la población, mejorando así su salud general. Esta Unidad permite destinar los recursos a aquellas actividades que necesitan una formación y una orientación en el servicio más médico-quirúrgico que dentario. Recomendamos la implantación de servicios de este tipo dentro de la AP para mejorar la prestación de los servicios de salud bucodental.

The healthcare system and the provision of oral healthcare in European Union member states. Part 9: Sweden.

Equally accessible and affordable dental services for all population groups have been a political goal in Sweden for almost a century. All political parties have shared the idea that a person's social background should not have consequences for his or her dental status. Strategic tools to achieve this ambitious goal have been the wide use of publicly provided oral healthcare services, covering even sparsely populated areas, focusing on preventive care and significant subsidies for necessary treatments. Besides free care for children and young adults, oral healthcare is reimbursed from public funds. The public subsidy was particularly generous in 1975-1999 when a 'full clearance' of adults' dentitions was undertaken both by the public and private providers under fixed prices and high reimbursement levels for all treatment measures. Today, preventive oral healthcare for the elderly is given higher priority as most Swedes have been able to keep their natural teeth.

A resource reallocation model for school dental screening: taking advantage of teledentistry in low-risk areas.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the scale of resource transfer that could be achieved by screening low-risk schoolchildren using teledentistry rather than using traditional visual dental examination. METHODS: This study was based on a previous cost-minimisation study that compared the costs of two dental-screening approaches (visual and teledentistry). The data for the population of children 5-14 years of age was obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and was divided across Australia according to statistical local area (SA2). The cost models (for teledentistry and visual screening) for each SA2 relative to the state, Remoteness Area (RA) and Socio-Economic Index for Area (SEIFA) indexes were estimated. The geographical information system was used to superimpose modelled cost data on the geographical map to provide a visual presentation of the data. Resource transfer scenarios, based on risk minimisation, were then developed and analysed. RESULTS: This study demonstrated a suboptimal allocation of dental-care resources, such that children living in high socio-economic areas (major cities) with low disease burdens consuming half of the estimated resources of a universal visual dental screening system. The findings suggest that utilising teledentistry screening for low-risk children has the potential to free up $40 million per annum. Such resources can be reallocated to increase care access and improve the quality of dental services for vulnerable children. CONCLUSION: To reduce inequalities in dental health within a community, scarce health-care resources should be targeted at the population at most risk. These findings can be used to inform policymakers, guide the appropriate distribution of scarce resources and target dental services to benefit high-need children.

Dentoalveolar oral surgery in children and adolescents: organization and surgical treatment in a large, Danish municipal dental service.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a population-based organization of dentoalveolar surgical service for 0 to 18-year old subjects in a Danish municipal dental service, and analyze the type of dentoalveolar surgical interventions needed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in the Municipality of Aarhus, Denmark during five consecutive school-years. An internal referral system was established within the municipality where patients could be referred to colleagues with a higher level of competencies and more experiences with paediatric dentoalveolar surgery. The analysis includes a total of 1812 children and a total of 2854 surgical interventions. RESULTS: Almost 80% of the patients, representing more than 80% of the dentoalveolar surgical interventions needed, were referred internally. Denudations were the most frequent treatment type (40.3%) carried out, followed by removal of third molars (18.0%). Furthermore, 22 odontomas and 100 supernumerary teeth were removed. CONCLUSIONS: The need of dentoalveolar surgery in children and adolescents is relatively low, but includes a wide range of interventions. An organizational system, where dentists can refer to colleagues who have developed special competencies in this field, results in most of these surgical patients being referred and treated internally.

Saúde Bucal na Ação Programática da Criança: indicadores e metas de um Serviço de Atenção Primária à Saúde / Oral Health in the Children's Preventive Health Care Initiative: indicators and goals in a Primary Health Care Service

Resumo O objetivo foi avaliar o cumprimento das metas de saúde bucal da Ação Programática da Criança em 12 Unidades de Saúde (US) de um Serviço de Atenção Primária à Saúde, Porto Alegre-RS, através de um estudo analítico transversal sobre a cobertura das consultas odontológicas anuais na primeira infância. Foram incluídas no estudo 660 crianças nascidas em 2010. Em relação à cobertura das consultas odontológicas a cada ano de vida da criança, as unidades de saúde não atingiram as metas estabelecidas (100%). A maior parte das crianças (35%) realizou sua primeira consulta no primeiro ano de vida. Em relação ao número total de consultas, 22% das crianças nunca as tiveram e apenas 8% realizaram as quatro preconizadas. Houve correlação positiva entre a razão da população total e de crianças de 0-4 anos da área adscrita com o número de profissionais da odontologia e a cobertura no primeiro ano de vida de cada US. Apesar de poucas crianças terem o acompanhamento adequado em relação à meta estabelecida, os percentuais de cobertura foram superiores aos encontrados na literatura.

Abstract The objective of this study is to assess fulfillment of the oral health goals of the Children's Preventive Health Care Initiative in 12 Health Units (HU) of a Primary Health Care Service, in Porto Alegre, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, through a cross-sectional analytical study on the annual dental visit coverage in early childhood. The study was comprised of 660 children born in 2010. In relation to the coverage of dental visits for each year of life of children, the health units did not achieve the set targets (100%). However, a considerable number of children (35%) had their first dental visit during the first year of life. In relation to the total number of visits, 22% of the children had never gone to the dentist and only 8% did the recommended four visits. There was a positive correlation between the ratio of the total population and children from ages 0 to 4 years in the area enrolled in the initiative, on the one hand, and the number of dental professionals and coverage in the first year of life in each health unit, on the other. Although few children had adequate follow-up visits in relation to the set targets, the percentage of coverage was higher than that found in the literature.

[Orthodontic treatment need in school-age children in the Leningrad region].

Epidemiology of dentoalveolar anomalies is undoubtedly important, but in terms of the organization of orthodontic care, greater interest are data on the needs in this type of treatment. In a situation of limited manpower and resources for the provision of orthodontic care information about needs in orthodontic treatment allows you to define a group of patients with the primary need for orthodontic treatment, and to identify priorities to optimize the organization of orthodontic care in the region. Such data can be obtained by using the Dental Aesthetics Index (DAI) and Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). The aim of the study was to analyze the epidemiology of various forms of dentoalveolar anomalies school-age children of Kirishi district of Leningrad region, as well as their needs in orthodontic treatment in accordance with objective evaluation indices. The study involved 734 pupils of Kirishi lyceum №1 of Leningrad region. Analysis of the prevalence of dentoalveolar anomalies, as well as needs in the orthodontic treatment was conducted in three age groups: I mixed dentition period (6-9 years), II mixed dentition period (10-13 years), and permanent dentition (14-17). To determine the needs in the orthodontic treatment were used two most common international index (DAI and IOTN). In Kirishi district of Leningrad region dentoalveolar anomalies were found in 88.8% of children of school age, which is in accordance with the indices and IOTN DAI needs in orthodontic treatment is 38.8% and 54.5%, respectively. In order to reduce unnecessarily high load volume medical institutions orthodontic profile, optimize utilization of financial resources, as well as reducing social tension it is recommended to introduce the practice of doctors-orthodontists methodology for determining the needs in orthodontic treatment by objective indices.

Expanding oral health preventative services for young children: a successful interprofessional model.

Progressive solutions are needed to solve the oral health chronic disease problem in the U.S. The importance of oral health coupled with urgent community oral health needs, shortage of primary providers, and emphasis on interprofessional collaboration make the timing ripe for allied health training and practice in oral health preventative services. A successful model is described that addressed the unmet oral health care needs of low-income and at-risk children. The model is a guide for integrating an oral health screen, fluoride varnish, anticipatory guidance, and dental referrals into allied health practice. An alternative oral health provider approach was used to address the low rate of early caries detection, preventative oral care, and access for underserved children. A comprehensive system for the administrative and clinical components of the project, including implementation plan, clinical protocols, prescriptive authority, a dental home referral system, clinical training and competency testing, was developed. The interprofessional project increased oral health services capacity and practice acceptance of oral health screening and fluoride varnishing among dietitians. Oral health care services provide allied health practitioners with unique opportunities to impact the poor access and unmet needs of at risk children and adults and to improve overall health.

Perfil do atendimento odontopediátrico no setor de urgência e emergência da clínica odontológica do Centro Universitário do Pará- CESUPA / Profile of pediatric dentistry services in the urgency and emergency sectors of the dental clinic at centro Universitário do Pará (CESUPA)

Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil do atendimento odontológico de urgência e emergência em crianças na faixa etária de 0 a 12 anos atendidas no setor de Urgência e Emergência do curso de odontologia do Centro Universitário do Pará. Materiais e Métodos: Este estudo foi do tipo analítico observacional retrospectivo, cujos dados foram coletados a partir das fichas clínicas, utilizadas no serviço de urgência e emergência do Centro Universitário do Pará (CESUPA), no período de janeiro de 2007 a dezembro de 2011. Buscou-se traçar um perfil dos usuários pediátricos, assim como avaliar as principais causas e tratamentos. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que a maioria dos pacientes atendidos era do gênero masculino (50,4%) e na faixa etária de 7 a 12 anos de idade (65,2%). O principal motivo da procura ao atendimento foi a dor de dente, sendo esta provocada na maioria dos casos por lesão de cárie (53,7%), acometendo principalmente crianças em fase dedentição mista. Quanto ao tratamento executado, a exodontia (73,4%) foi o mais realizado. Conclusão: A cárie é a principal ocorrência de atendimento no serviço de urgência e emergência da clínica odontológica do CESUPA, e o tratamento de escolha, na maioria das vezes, infelizmente, foi a exodontia, indicando assim, uma maior necessidade de programar estratégias educativas e preventivas na comunidade avaliada com base na promoção de saúde bucal.

[Development of a screening scale for children at risk of baby bottle tooth decay]. / Élaboration d'un score de dépistage des enfants à risque du syndrome du biberon.

OBJECTIVE: Baby bottle tooth decay is a severe form of early childhood caries. This study aims to elaborate a screening tool for at risk children in order to facilitate primary prevention. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted among children suffering from baby bottle tooth decay and children with no dental caries. Cases were children aged 5 years or less at diagnosis who experienced at least four caries with one or more affecting maxillary incisors. Controls were children matched for age and sex. Parents were interviewed by phone about their child's exposure to potential risk factors. RESULTS: We included 88 children suffering from baby bottle tooth decay and 88 children with no dental caries. In multivariate analysis, low social class (OR 6.39 [95% CI, 1.45-28.11]), prolonged bottle feeding or bedtime feeding (OR 153.2 [95% CI, 11.77-1994.96]), and snacking (OR 5.94 [95% CI, 1.35-26.2]) were significantly associated with baby bottle tooth decay. Regular dental visits were a significant protecting factor (OR 0.13 [95% CI, 0.02-0.77]). A score was developed using these significant risk factors and tested on the survey population. The mean score was 13/20 for cases and 4/20 for controls. DISCUSSION: These results are in accordance with the literature, except for brushing teeth, which was not significantly associated with baby bottle tooth decay in our study. CONCLUSION: A screening scale with a score of 20 points was proposed. Future validation is required. Pediatricians and general practitioners should encourage parents to change their habits.

Dossier manejo del paciente comprometido sistémicamente en odontopediatría: [Editorial] / Dossier on Pediatric Dental Care of Patients with Medical Conditions: [Editorial]

Con el fin de proveer atención integral al niño, tanto la pediatría comola odontopediatría son áreas en las cuales todos los aspectos de lamedicina y de la odontología general se aplican de forma especializada.Más aún, la odontopediatría puede considerarse una subespecialidadde la pediatría, lo cual significa que el manejo estomatognáticode la población infantil no puede verse de forma aislada, sino como uncomponente de la salud general...

Managing dental caries in children in Saudi Arabia.

This paper describes oral health among children in Saudi Arabia, the dental health system in the country, and some possible solutions and recommendations to improve the oral health status.

Reaching the Texas dental goals of healthy people 2010.

BACKGROUND: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has promoted Healthy People 2010, which is a set of national health objectives for the nation to achieve over the first decade of the new century (1). Texas has not yet met its target of 50 percent of 8-year-old children with dental sealants having been placed on their 6-year molars, which is one of the Healthy People 2010 goals. An assessment of the dental needs of children in Tarrant County, Texas, was initiated by the JPS Health Network (named after John Peter Smith). The JPS Health Network established the Healthy Smiles program to address the dental needs of the students in this county because a school based dental sealant program would be effective in reducing dental decay. METHODS: Approved Title One elementary schools in Tarrant County were scheduled for dental screenings, education, and fluoride and dental sealant applications. Students were given visual dental screenings and classified as to future dental needs. First grade students received fluoride varnish and second and third grade students received fluoride and dental sealants. RESULTS: For the 2010-2011 school year: A total of 28,322 students were seen by dental professionals from the JPS Health Network; 8,348 dental sealants were placed; and 11,825 fluoride applications were given by dental staff. CONCLUSIONS: The JPS Health Network Healthy Smiles Program proved to be an effective way to deliver oral preventive care and dental education to a large number of low-income students. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dental caries prevention programs such as Healthy Smiles could help Texas reach its goals for improved oral health for the children of Texas.

Oral health in children in Denmark under different public dental health care schemes.

PURPOSE: To describe and analyse oral health of children and adolescents under two types of dental health care schemes under the Public Dental Health Service in Denmark, and to analyse possible influence of socio-economic and socio-cultural factors. METHODS: Data on children's oral health status was obtained from public oral health registers and were pooled with data from questionnaires sent to parents of the children and adolescents. The study comprised individuals aged 5, 12 and 15, in total 2168 persons, randomly drawn from four municipalities with dental care provided by salaried dentists in public dental clinics and three municipalities with dental care provided by dentists in private practice. 70% of the parents completed a questionnaire including questions on socio-economic and socio-cultural background, lifestyle-related factors, self assessment of parents' oral- and general health. After the data were merged, the final study population represented 60% of the original target population. RESULTS: The mean caries experience (DMFS+dmfs) was 2.2 and further analysis of caries experience in each age group showed no variations in relation to type of provider of dental care. However, multiple dummy regression analyses demonstrated that low education, poor general health, foreign citizenship and smoking habits of the parents were important determinants for high level of caries in their children. CONCLUSION: Occurrence of dental caries as well as changes over time in levels of dental caries of Danish children did not vary by scheme of Public Dental Health Service, i.e. whether dental health care was provided by public employed dentists or by private practitioners. However, social inequalities still relate to caries experience in children and adolescents. Adjustment of preventive oral health activities strategy seems to be needed.

Avaliação da eficácia de um programa de saúde bucal para pré-escolares de Lagoa Santa - MG

Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia de um programa educativo-preventivo em saúde bucal em pré-escolares de uma instituição filantrópica de Lagoa Santa (MG)...

Tackling socially determined dental inequalities: ethical aspects of Childsmile, the national child oral health demonstration programme in Scotland.

Many ethical issues are posed by public health interventions. Although abstract theorizing about these issues can be useful, it is the application of ethical theory to real cases which will ultimately be of benefit in decision-making. To this end, this paper will analyse the ethical issues involved in Childsmile, a national oral health demonstration programme in Scotland that aims to improve the oral health of the nation's children and reduce dental inequalities through a combination of targeted and universal interventions. With Scotland's level of dental caries among the worst in Europe, Childsmile represents one of the largest programmes of work aimed at combating oral health inequalities in the UK. The areas of ethical interest include several contrasting themes: reducing health inequalities and improving health; universal and targeted interventions; political values and evidence base; prevention and treatment; and underlying all of these, justice and utility.

Impact of health reforms on child health services in Europe: the case of Bulgaria.

BACKGROUND: In the last two decades, all countries in Europe have embarked on substantial health reforms, introducing new models of financing and provision of health services. Using Bulgaria as a case study, this article examines the impact of the reforms on child health services. METHODS: This is the first of a series of papers drawing on a broader research on inequalities in access to child health services, using Bulgaria as a case study. Multiple methods and data sources were used, including a review of the literature and existing epidemiological data, 50 qualitative in-depth interviews and an analysis of regulatory documents. This article presents the findings of the documentary analysis. RESULTS: Primary health services for children are now provided by general practitioners. Children are exempted from health insurance contributions and user fees and are formally entitled to free health care. During the first years of the reform general practitioners still had insufficient training in child health. Restrictions on the number of referrals to paediatricians and discontinuation of community services at a time when general practice was not well established, undermined access to quality care. CONCLUSION: While many of these issues have been subsequently addressed, the reform process was far from linear. Challenges remain in ensuring access to quality child health services to the rural population and marginalized groups, such as the Roma minority and children with disabilities. Throughout Europe, health reforms need to be based on solid evidence of what works best for improving quality of and access to child health services.