The expectations of stakeholders on Oral Health Services at Tambon Health Promoting Hospital (THPH) in Phatthalung Province

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to study the expectations and suggestions of stakeholders including executive officers, health care providers, and community representatives on appropriate oral health services at Tambon Health Promoting Hospital (THPH) in Phatthalung province. After applying multi-stage random sampling for areas stratifaction, the informants were selected by purposive sampling, including those who had direct experience in oral health services. The executive officers and the health care providers were interviewed by in depth interviews. Whereas, the community representatives were explored through focus group discussions. The study was conducted during June to October  2011. The results showed that the appropriate oral health services at THPH should be organized by zoning and network model in order to solve the shortage of dental health personnel and resources. THPH network should be implemented based on their context and under 5 principles; 1) setting network goals 2) clarifying responsible areas 3) cooperation within the network 4) independent management and 5) network support. The most appropriate dental personnel in THPH should be a dental nurse who have had working experience and be directed by the dentist in each network. It is important to improve their career paths, have precise positions for recruitment and provide moral support. If they recently graduated, they should be supervised by mentors as well as should attend particular workshops to improve their skills.