Community-based Approaches to Dental Caries Prevention and Management

Dental caries presenting in different forms is still common in various population groups. Using a community-based approach to prevent dental caries and to manage the existing disease is probably the most cost-effective. Although a number of methods, such as the use of fluorides and fissure sealant, have been shown to be effective in preventing dental caries, implementation of community-based programs using these methods is not easy. This presentation will discuss the different important aspects which need to be considered in the planning and implementation of community-based dental caries prevention and management programs. Knowing the pattern of dental caries in the population and people’s concerns is essential for good program planning. The objectives of the program need to be explained to and agreed upon by the service recipients. Selection of the program content will be affected by the oral health care system, resources available, and effectiveness of the various dental caries prevention and treatment methods. A combination of different methods should be considered. Involvement of the community in the process is very important. Proper monitoring and evaluation of the program is also needed.