Integration of oral health with primary health care, an interprofessional collaborative approach in udupi district, South India

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Population Medicine

Abstract

Background and Objective: Udupi district in Karnataka State, South India is a progressive district with a relatively high literacy rate and socioeconomic status as compared to the other districts in the country. Udupi district has a population of 1.3 million, 60 Primary Health centres, 6 Community Health Centres and 247 Health and Wellness Centres – Sub Centres. There were no oral health screening and treatment services available at any of the Primary Health Centres run by the Government and personnel recruitment had not happened. With this background, an oral health service support was thought would be very helpful and add value. Objective: The Objective of this study was to find the means and methods to achieve integration of oral health with Primary Health Care. Methods: An Interprofessional team comprising of faculty of Community Medicine, Physicians, Nursing staff and Dental Screening and Treatment Teams were constituted in alliance with the District Surveillance and District Health and Family Welfare Office. Focus groups were created covering the entire District of Udupi.Weekly screening and referred treatment of vulnerable populations at identified Community Health CentresDental treatment for identified Fishing community and Industrial workers groups.Incremental Dental and Comprehensive Dental Treatment for school students.Providing monthly screening and treatment facilities by adopting the Wellness centres.Installation of Dental Chairs at identified Primary Health Centres and making Dental Treatment accessible. The following core areas were given due importance : Risk assessment, Oral health evaluation, Preventive intervention, Education and communication, Interprofessional Collaborative Practice. Results: The First year results are very encouraging paving the way for enhanced integration and greater participation by the local residents of Udupi district. Conclusion: Interprofessonal Collaborative practice greatly supports the integration of oral health with primary health care.

First Page

494

Last Page

494

DOI

10.18332/popmed/164218

Publication Date

1-1-2023

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