Dental public health

Dental Public Health is a para-clinical specialty of dentistry that deals with the prevention of oral disease and promotion of oral health.^[1][2] Dental public health is involved in the assessment of key dental health needs and coming up with effective solutions to improve the dental health of populations rather than individuals.^[3]

Dental public health seeks to reduce demand on health care systems by redirection of resources to priority areas.^[4] Countries around the world all face similar issues in relation to dental disease. Implementation of policies and principles varies due to availability of resources. Similar to public health, an understanding of the many factors that influence health will assist the implementation of effective strategies.^[4]

Dental-related diseases are largely preventable. Public health dentistry is often practiced through government-sponsored programs, usually directed to public-school children, following the premise that early education about oral hygiene is the best way to reach the general public. For example, a dental practitioner's annual visit to a local school to demonstrate proper tooth-brushing techniques.

In the 1970s, a more elaborate program emerged.^[5] It included a week of one-hour sessions of instruction, demonstration, and questions and answers, conducted by a dentist with a dental assistant and aided by a teacher who had previously been given several hours of instruction. Use was also made of televised dental health education programs, which parents were encouraged to observe.^[5]