Status of Oral Health Care Service Delivery: The CEU Experience

Objectives: To identify the Oral Health Care Services provided by the dental students of CEU, and relate it to the Philippine economy and other social factors. Methods: Records and documents of the dental students' completed cases for the last two years were tabulated and analyzed. Interviews were held with the clinical staff of the college. Below is the number of dental students in the clinical years:

Results: Oral health care services were provided free of charge by the students as part of their clinical requirements to underprivileged patients seeking treatment to CEU. Majority of them couldn't afford to go to a private clinic. An average of 35 services were provided by each student per clinic level (Clinic 1, 2, 3 4) In the past two years, services were provided to a total of 48,711 patients, 88.12% were adults, 11.98% were children. In summary, topical fluoride application and pit & fissure sealants were provided to 4,408 children; scaling was done to 12,658 patients; 24,247 filled teeth; 24,094 teeth were extracted; and root canal therapy was done on 1,058 teeth. Preventive, corrective and interceptive appliances were constructed to 333 children; 3,730 dentures were delivered; 543 units of porcelain laminate veneers; 59 patients had minor surgeries and 579 comprehensive patient management. Interview with the staff showed they were very satisfied with the treatment provided by their students. Conclusions: The service provided by the students varies and their role in addressing the dental needs of the country cannot be underestimated. Their hands-on training and various treatment options provided them the competence they need and developed in them social sensitivity and commitment to service.