Dental Treatment in School Dental Service is Israel in 2004

Background: School Dental Service is a public service for 6-14-year-old students in compulsory education system in Israel. The Service is provided by local authorities in municipal dental clinics. Objectives: to analyze the treatment profile of patients in School Dental Service and the uptake of this service by the eligible population in 2004 Materials and Methods: Monthly reports from 61 local authorities operating School Dental Services in 2004 were collected, computerized and analyzed. Results: During 2004, 41,009 dental check-ups were performed in dental clinics (about 70% out of 60,406 primary school children). On average, patients received three treatments (either preventive or restorative). The average "treatment profile" was: 1.2 fissure sealants, 0.8 restorations, 0.4 extractions, 0.2 pulpotomies, 0.2 emergency treatments, 0.2 out of the service basket treatments, 0.1 teeth cleaning and oral hygiene instructions; total: of 3.1 treatments. The results differ by region. Total number of fissure sealants performed was 37932 to about 13670 children who underwent dental check up in the clinics, 2. 77 sealants per child. Assuming 4 fissure sealants in the permanent molars, only 9483 children were sealed, a coverage rate of about 70%. Regional differences were recorded. Conclusion: Despite the decrease in dental caries in Israel, treatment needs of primary school children still remain high. A high percentage of children seek dental treatment in School Dental Service where available. The regional differences in types of treatment provided should be addressed in order to understand the possible reasons.