IADR Abstract Archives
Rural Zambian Oral Health Service: Evaluation of Tooth Extraction Patterns
Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze tooth extraction patterns to identify oral health treatment needs of a population in rural Zambia. Data-driven solutions to improve oral health are emphasized by the World Health Organization.
Methods: Data collected in 2018 from a short-term oral health outreach program in Zambia were analyzed retrospectively. Counts and percentages were determined for tooth type recommended for extraction (1st molars, 2nd molars, 3rd molars, premolars, anterior teeth/canines) and if recommended extractions were completed. Associations between tooth type and completion of the recommended extraction were tested using generalized estimating equations (GEE).
Results: Of the 755 extractions recommended for the study population (n=294) [61.7% female; mean±SD age 36.58±12.47 years; age range 10-79], 29.3% were completed. Molar teeth were most frequently recommended for extraction [1st molars (35.8%), 2nd molars (21.1%), 3rd molars (18.8%)] followed by premolars (15.1%) and anterior teeth/canines (9.3%). Among teeth recommended for extraction, the highest percentage of completed extractions was for 2nd molars (35.9%), followed by 1st molars (31.9%), 3rd molars (28.9%), premolars (22.8%), and anterior teeth/canines (15.7%). After adjusting for location, sex, and age, GEE demonstrated a significant association between tooth type and extraction completed (p= 0.007). The percentage of completed extractions for 1st molars compared to anterior teeth/canines was also significant (p=0.007).
Conclusions: This short-term oral health outreach effort provided essential tooth extraction services. Molar teeth were most frequently recommended for extraction. Completed extractions varied by tooth type. Documenting and assessing recommended and completed tooth extractions provided supportive data for oral health program effectiveness. Unmet extraction needs assisted the quantification of community oral disease burden. This information was easily collected and suggests a method to assist with oral health needs assessments, program evaluation, and strategic planning.
Methods: Data collected in 2018 from a short-term oral health outreach program in Zambia were analyzed retrospectively. Counts and percentages were determined for tooth type recommended for extraction (1st molars, 2nd molars, 3rd molars, premolars, anterior teeth/canines) and if recommended extractions were completed. Associations between tooth type and completion of the recommended extraction were tested using generalized estimating equations (GEE).
Results: Of the 755 extractions recommended for the study population (n=294) [61.7% female; mean±SD age 36.58±12.47 years; age range 10-79], 29.3% were completed. Molar teeth were most frequently recommended for extraction [1st molars (35.8%), 2nd molars (21.1%), 3rd molars (18.8%)] followed by premolars (15.1%) and anterior teeth/canines (9.3%). Among teeth recommended for extraction, the highest percentage of completed extractions was for 2nd molars (35.9%), followed by 1st molars (31.9%), 3rd molars (28.9%), premolars (22.8%), and anterior teeth/canines (15.7%). After adjusting for location, sex, and age, GEE demonstrated a significant association between tooth type and extraction completed (p= 0.007). The percentage of completed extractions for 1st molars compared to anterior teeth/canines was also significant (p=0.007).
Conclusions: This short-term oral health outreach effort provided essential tooth extraction services. Molar teeth were most frequently recommended for extraction. Completed extractions varied by tooth type. Documenting and assessing recommended and completed tooth extractions provided supportive data for oral health program effectiveness. Unmet extraction needs assisted the quantification of community oral disease burden. This information was easily collected and suggests a method to assist with oral health needs assessments, program evaluation, and strategic planning.