Reasons for tooth extraction among Tanzanians.

In 1988 a study was carried out among Tanzanians of different age groups to determine the reasons for tooth extraction. The major reason was found to be dental caries or its associated complications (81%) while periodontal diseases was the runner-up (13%). The molars teeth were the most commonly extracted. The results of this study are important in planning resources for and provision of emergency oral health care especially for the rural population.

Prevalence of maxillo-mandibular fractures in mainland Tanzania.

In order to evaluate the current trends in maxillo-mandibular fractures, hospital records of all patients who had sustained maxillo-mandibular fractures (in Tanzania Mainland) from 1990-1992 were examined. A specially designed questionnaire was dispatched to Regional Dental Officers to be filled after examining the hospital files of patients. Factors considered were age, sex, date fracture and anatomical site of the fracture. Records of 179 patients who had sustained 187 maxillo-mandibular fractures were identified and analysed. Results showed that the greatest number of maxillo-mandibular fractures occurred in patients between the age group 21-30 years, with a male to female ratio of 3:1. Assault was found to have been the leading aetiological factor (29.9%) followed by motor vehicle and motor cycle accidents (27.3%), falls (18.2%), bar fights (9.1%), sports (8.6%), spouse abuse (3.7%) and work injuries constituted 3.2%. Mandibular fractures out-numbered maxillary fractures in a ratio of 4:1. Of the mandibular fractures, fracture of the body of the mandible occurred most followed by fracture at the angle of the mandible, symphysis, condyle, alveolar and ramus.

Distribution of dental therapists and assistant dental officers trained under the Tanzania-Danida Dental Health Programme 1981-1993.

The purpose of the present study was to describe the production of Dental Therapists and Assistant Dental Officers trained in Ministry of Health institutions in Tanzania during more that ten years of support from the Danish International Development Agency (Danida) through the Tanzania-Danida Dental Health Programme and to investigate their distribution and location. A total of 169 Dental Therapists and 38 Assistant Dental Officers have been trained from 1981 to 1993, representing more than 70% of the training capacity of the schools for training of oral health personnel under Ministry of Health. The distribution of both Dental Therapists and Assistant Dental Officers according to working station was, however very similar to that found before the Danida support began. Two out of every three Dental Therapists in government service were stationed in district clinics or non-government clinics at the district level. The same was true for one out of every three Assistant Dental Officers. It is concluded, that the intentions laid down in Tanzania's National Plan for Oral Health 1988-2002 of first staffing the district hospitals and, later on, the health centres with Dental Therapists have not yet been fulfilled.