The dental equipment needs and problems associated with the provision of dental services in remote areas

Dental services, facilities and equipment are inseparable and interdependent. The provision of all three is influenced by socio-economic factors. Prominent among these is the powerful competition for scarce resources to meet other health needs. In planning health programmes the perception of dentists, the community and health administrators will differ. In this competitive situation the planning of dental services, and hence the choice of equipment needed, must be based upon knowledge of the oral health status of the community to be served. The community's level of interest and likely cooperation is of great importance. Unsuitable services must not be imposed but at the same time the dental profession's educational role should be maintained. Establishing a balance between treatment needs and preventive programmes will influence the provision of equipment just as much as it will determine the choice of personnel. Standards of care should not be judged on the basis of elaborate facilities and exotic equipment. The choice of equipment must be related to the level of service to be provided at its site of use. Planners must consult with the dentists concerned if the provision of inappropriate equipment is to be avoided.