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Skill-mix in preventive dental practice--will it help address need in the future?
BMC Oral Health
|September 23, 2015
Summary
Dental services need to adapt to changing population needs, utilizing the entire dental team for prevention and care. Shifting to a "care" culture and integrated models can improve access and equity.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Dental Medicine
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Declining rates of dental caries and periodontal disease, with increased functional dentition in adults.
- Persistent social gradients in oral health and challenges with disease in young children.
- Emerging needs due to an aging population retaining their natural teeth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the evolving landscape of dental health needs.
- To optimize dental service provision for cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and reduced health inequalities.
- To explore the role of skill-mix models in future dental care.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of current dental service provision models.
- Evaluation of the potential for "skill-mix" models in dentistry.
- Assessment of the shift from a "cure" to a "care" culture in dental services.
Main Results:
- Current "one-size-fits-all" models emphasize dentist-led intervention.
- Evidence suggests other dental team members can effectively provide care.
- Challenges exist in shifting to a more integrated, team-based approach.
Conclusions:
- Future dental services require integrated models utilizing the whole dental team for prevention.
- Incentives within funding systems and social acceptability are key to successful implementation.
- A paradigm shift is needed for responsive, equitable, and accessible dental care.
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