National Oral Health Policy and Financing and Dental Health Status in 19 Countries.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Dental caries in permanent teeth is one of the most common health issues-despite being preventable in early stages-due to inadequate regulation of preventive dental services in many countries. This study evaluates the association between regulation of preventive dental services and oral health outcomes.

Methods

This mixed-method study analysed data from 19 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Oral health outcomes were measured using decayed missing and filled teeth (DMFT) indexes for children aged 12 to 18 years. Oral health expenditures were measured as a percentage of each country's gross domestic product (GDP). We conducted web-based research and systematically extracted and coded data on dental policy regarding

SUBMITTER: Foote T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10213794 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature