Dental services and needs in developing countries

People in developing countries are burdened excessively by oral diseases, p articularly periodontal disease. These are aggravated by poverty, poor livi ng conditions, ignorance concerning health education, and lack of governmen t funding and policy to provide sufficient oral health care workers. WHO an d FDI have identified the problems and developed strategies. However, accep table goals and standards of oral health have to be agreed. Furthermore, ba rriers to oral health promotion need to be overcome through co-operation at all levels and appreciation of cultural sensitivity. There is the need for research to determine which types of oral health care systems are most eff ective in reducing the extent of inequality in oral health. In developing c ountries where there are huge problems, intervention programmes focusing on primary care and prevention should be designed and implemented urgently an d their effectiveness monitored and analysed scientifically. The WHO, FDI a nd national and international professional organisations should play a lead ing role in encouraging a determined, co-ordinated effort towards improving the oral health status of disadvantaged people in developing countries.