Dental hygiene care in the Commonwealth of Independent States

This study assessed the performance of dental hygiene services and the perception of preventive oral health care in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), formerly known as the USSR.

In April 1996, questionnaires were distributed to a convenience sample of 200 dentists in four cities of the CIS: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kiev, and Odessa. All questions were designed for practicing dentists since the dental hygiene profession in the CIS is not presently recognized.

The overall response rate was 93% (N = 186). The results indicated that oral hygiene care is provided by dentists on a selective, non-routine basis. The number of missing teeth in persons age 35 is 5 to 7. An oral prophylaxis in the CIS accounts for 3.1 percent of all dental visits and is performed to either remove deposits that create an obstacle to oral health care treatment or, less often, to improve the esthetic appearance of teeth. Approximately 75 percent of the dentists responding indicated they perform periodontal probing on patients with obvious periodontal problems. Fluoride supplements are provided by 82 percent of respondents, although three-fourths do not perform routine bitewing radiographs and occlusal sealants. The majority indicated a need for dental hygienists to be employed within the CIS oral health care system.

The study indicates a critical need for developing dental hygiene in the CIS. It is recommended that preventive oral health care be provided by dental hygienists who have been formally educated in such a curriculum.