“Opinions and Suggestions of Dentists on the Quality of The Dental Camps Being Organized in Hyderabad City” – A Cross Sectional Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Good oral health reflects overall health and well-being. Dental camps offer an opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment, dental health education, and preventive measures. Therefore, it is the prime responsibility of a dentist to assess and reassess the camps conducted and fill the lacunae for the service rendered.

Aim: To assess opinions of dentists regarding the quality of dental camps conducted in Hyderabad.

Methodology: From the pilot study, the sample size was estimated to be 400. Area sampling in Hyderabad city was performed to obtain the desired sample. A self-administered questionnaire was provided to the sample comprising dental practitioners. Results: Majority (57%) of dentists suggested that the best method to improve oral health is through community dental camps, with emphasis on awareness. In the present scenario, majority (42%) of the camps conducted were treatment camps not meeting to the expectations of dentists, thus requiring improvements. This is mainly due to the poor organization skills among dentists conducting the camps and low priority for oral health among patients (30%). In total, 54.2% dentists suggested that the camps can be improvised through financial support, which can be majorly acquired from Indian government and dental institutions.

Conclusion: Based on the opinion of dentists in Hyderabad, the oral health issue that needs attention the most is the oral health awareness among people. Dentists recommend that the camps would benefit people if conducted regularly in the same area with newer audio-visual oral health education on convenient timings. This would encourage people and increase the number of attendees.