Workforce requirements for a primary oral health care system

Aim: To present the case for a primary health care (PHC) approach for denta l care in Vietnam, and thereby contribute to a better understanding of the oral health problems that exist in many developing countries. Methods: Info rmation was obtained in Vietnam through discussions with dental and medical authorities of provincial health offices, educational institutions, hospit als, health centres and schools and by collecting data from record books an d reports. Findings: Dentistry lacks a PHC strategy and consequently urgent oral care and oral disease prevention and control are not available for th e majority of the population in Vietnam. The curriculum of dental students and dental auxiliaries is not adequately directed to the oral health needs of the population. The present number of dental personnel is too low. Concl usion: A basic oral health care package (BOHCP) advocated by the WHO which could be incorporated into primary health services at sub-district level an d in the school dental service would be most suitable to meet the oral heal th needs of the population in Vietnam. The oral health education component of the BOHCP may have more impact when it is conducted in close collaborati on with non-dental health personnel and lay persons. The curriculum of dent al personnel should be adjusted to meet the requirements of their future ta sks. Dental auxiliaries, provided they are well trained can carry out the B OHCP. Consequently, there is a large need for this type of dental personnel in Vietnam.