Reexamining dental outreach programs: A model for local empowerment and sustainable development.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To address the inadequacy of oral health care in developing nations, outreach programs have facilitated the provision of dental services by foreign volunteers to areas of need. However, the effectiveness of the current aid model on the long-term well-being of the recipient population and sustainability of efforts remains uncertain. The authors examine the strengths and areas of improvement of outreach initiatives to inform a reorientation of the aid model. METHODS: The authors conducted a PubMed search and reviewed included articles to assess the current limitations and recommended strategies for outreach programs. The identified limitations and strategies were sorted into 4 key areas of change and organized using the Theory of Change framework to inform an improved aid model. RESULTS: The current aid models were found to have limitations in scope and coverage, interventions that were not applicable or integrated into local systems, and an inadequate evidence base. To address these limitations, efforts should be directed at the capacity building of local workers through individual training and evidence-based interventions, improved understanding of local contexts, and integration and alignment with local systems. CONCLUSIONS: The empowerment of local communities is critical in ensuring an effective and sustainable aid model in developing nations. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS By adopting an improved aid model, outreach programs can enhance the long-term access and availability of quality oral health care that is delivered by local providers and communities.