Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

S. Shreelakshmi ¹, Srisakthi Doraikannan ², I. Meignana Arumugham Indiran ³, Pradeep Kumar Rathinavelu ²

Affiliations
1 Post Graduate Student, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IN
2 Reader, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IN
3 Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IN

Abstract

Oral health is an integral portion of overall general health. Oral diseases qualify as a global and major public health problem owing to their high prevalence and incidence in all regions of the world. Oral health in India is usually not considered as an issue with priority by the public health sector. The main hindrance that deprives people of availing services is the high cost. The year 1929 is considered remarkable as birth of modern health insurance took place. Though India has accomplished a lot in terms of General Health Insurance, achievements are not made as far as comprehensive dental insurance system is concerned which is virtually nonexistent. Increasing awareness about various available modalities for dental care among public necessitates dental coverage which still remains a large untapped market. Effective dental insurance system will help people get minimum essential dental treatments at affordable prices. It reduces global economic burden of oral diseases. This creates awareness regarding preventive and prophylactic procedures percolating at the grass ischolar_main levels which further enables to instill positive dental attitude. Hence it is a good tool for oral health promotion as well. A state of enormous transition exists in the oral healthcare delivery system of India. The biggest challenge of the present time is the need for dental health providers to serve the rural population with care and also understanding the insurance sector.. A better apprehension regarding dental insurance in India is needed to gain clarity. This review was carried out with an aim to explore the factors associated with its operation.

Keywords

Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, India, Dental Health Insurance Companies, Dental Health Insurance Schemes, Benefits of Dental Insurance.

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S. Shreelakshmi ¹, D. Srisakthi Doraikannan ², I. Meignana Arumugham Indiran ³, Pradeep Kumar Rathinavelu ²

Affiliations
1 Post Graduate Student, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences,, Chennai, IN
2 Reader, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IN
3 Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IN

Abstract

Introduction: Dentistry, being one of the healing professions, has an obligation to society that its members will stick on to high ethical standards of conduct. In India, studies done to assess whether the dental practitioners adhere to ethics in their line of work are very meager.

The consent is integral as it enables in mutual communication to establish a good dentist-patient rapport that enables maintenance of dental patient record which is legal evidence that documents professional care provided to the patient. Informed consent is an essential tool of standard ethical dental practice.

Materials and Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among private dental practitioners in Chennai City. A self- administered structured questionnaire consisting of 21 items was used to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding informed consent. The response format was based on a 2-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics using frequency and percentage, inferential statistics using Pearson’s Chisquare test to check the level of significance and association between variables, Pearson’s correlation were utilized for statistical analysis.

Results: The mean scores for knowledge and attitude were 8.83 ± 1.635 and 3.28 ± 0.734 respectively. Analysis revealed that qualification and years of experience was statistically significant among both dependent variables (p ≤ 0.05). Statistically significant differences were found in the mean knowledge and practice scores among graduate dentists and specialists.

Conclusion: A significant association between the knowledge and practice scores was observed, implying that with an increase in knowledge, there was also an increase in the practices of ethics among study population.

Keywords

Awareness, Perception, Dental Ethics, Informed Consent, Registered Dentists.

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S. Shreelakshmi ¹, I. Meignana Arumugham Indiran ², Pradeep Kumar Rathinavelu ³, D. Srisakthi Doraikannan ³

Affiliations
1 Post Graduate Student, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IN
2 Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IN
3 Reader, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IN

Abstract

Introduction: Oral health is an integral part of general health. Despite the fact most of the oral diseases are preventable; least priority is given for oral care among public. As knowledge is considered to be an essential prerequisite for related behavior and educational intervention is easy in administration logical at community level for promotion, this study was conducted to evaluate the impact of oral health education.

Materials and Method: The used questionnaire in this cross-sectional survey consisted of 12 items to obtain data through telephonic interview. The study was conducted among 100 people who had received oral health education counseling during their dental visit. They were selected from the records management system in a private dental institution in Chennai city. Descriptive statistics using frequency and percentage and inferential statistics using Pearson’s Chi-square test to check the level of significance and association between variables were utilized for statistical analysis.

Results: The mean age was found to be 35.6 ± 12.303. Most of them were aged 21-40 years perceived the intervention to have a moderate impact developed greater expected behavior as a result of counseling. Males were higher in proportion than females. However, the practice of oral hygiene post intervention was greater among women. Higher proportions in different age groups perceived moderate impact. No matter whatever was the educational status of the individuals, oral health education created desirable behavior for healthy oral cavity.

Conclusion: Effective educational interventions with motivation contribute to positive behavior change.

Keywords

Effectiveness, Oral Health Education, Oral Health Promotion, Program, Impact.

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Shreelakshmi Sekar ¹, Meignana Arumugham Indiran ², Pradeep Kumar Rathinavelu ³, Srisakthi Doraikannan ³

Affiliations
1 Post Graduate Student, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IN
2 Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IN
3 Reader, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IN

Abstract

Background: Oral Health is a fundamental human right. It is an integral portion reflecting the status of overall general health. Poor oral health is commonly associated with many systemic diseases. Oral diseases qualify as a major public health problem at global level owing to its high prevalence. India is no exception and due to its large population size, the absolute burden of oral diseases is immense. Oral health is not usually considered as a matter of concern and given priority in most of the developing countries.

Aim: To assess the status of oral health of residents in Chennai for formulating a draft oral health policy.

Materials and Method: A cross-sectional survey was carried out using convenient sampling methodology. Data were collected according to the World Health Organization oral health assessment criteria 2013. The data tested for significance using statistical software packages, SPSS Software version 17.0. Frequency tables were computed. Chi square test was done to test whether the difference in the various parameters is statistically significant.

bOut of 318 males, 117(36.79%) require scaling and 250 (78.61%) of them need restorative treatments. Extraction is indicated for 27 (8.49%). Prosthetic treatment is recommended for nearly 50 (15.72%) of them. It also shows that out of 282 females, around 178 members comprising of 63.12% require scaling, 220 (63.12%) need restorative treatments while extraction is indicated for 78(27.65%) of them and 50(15.72) women were recommended prosthetic treatments.

Conclusion: The study population was characterized by high prevalence of dental caries.

Keywords

Oral Diseases, Prevalence, Residents, Oral Health Status, Oral Health Policy.

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S. Shreelakshmi ¹, Pradeep Kumar Rathinavelu ², Meignana Arumugham Indiran ³, Srisakthi Doraikannan ²

Affiliations
1 Post Graduate Student, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IN
2 Reader, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IN
3 Professor Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IN

Abstract

Background: Toothbrush is the widely used personal and the most cost effective oral hygiene maintenance aid. Hence it must be appropriately selected.

Aim: To determine if professional health education or following brushing technique after reading instructions given by the manufacturer has an impact on dental plaque levels.

Method: The present trial was examiner blind, randomized and two visit study with 100 volunteers. The total sample consisted of 100 subjects and they were equally divided in to 4 groups. Group I were given health Education and instructed to use V-Beat Toothbrush. Group II were taught health education and instructed to use normal toothbrush. Group III and IV were instructed to use V-Beat and normal toothbrushes respectively. Participants were assessed for dental plaque status according to Turesky’s Gilmore modification of Quigley-Hein plaque index using two-tone disclosing agent at baseline and first visit (7 days) which were subjected to comparisons. Data were entered in Excel and transferred to SPSS (Version 23) and correlation between and within the groups were determined for analysis.

Results: Group-I was found to be statistically significant than other groups compared in the study. On comparing Group-I and IV, least correlation was shown. However, greater significance was observed in Group-I. Further Comparisons of Groups I & II with III & IV led to the finding that significant difference was observed in the groups to which health education was given.

Conclusion: Health education intervention followed by usage of V-Beat tooth brush was most effective in reducing plaque.

Keywords

Dental Plaque, Oral Health Education, Plaque Scores, Toothbrush Design, Toothbrush Selection.

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