Oral care delivery by dental nurse at sub-district health centers during 1997-1998.

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed at exploring the distribution and productivity of dental nurses at sub-district health centers including provincial support, type of oral care provided, service utilization, and the attitude of the concerned personnel in the study area. The questionnaires were mailed to 318 dental nurses who worked in health centers. The dentists, dental nurses, director of district health centers and the chief of sub-district health centers in 4 selected provinces were interviewed. The result showed that dental nurses were distributed in 18.9 % of large health centers. More than 60% of the time were consumed for oral care activity. Besides, 72.2 % of dental nurses were in charge of other role, such as primary health care in specific village, paper work, health education, training, and patient care for general health problems. Although the types of activity followed the assigned job, the curative part was prominent, particularly extraction for adult. The promotion and prevention activities were more effective when compared to mobile clinic from district hospital. However, the productivity was depended on dental nurse's skill, the effectiveness of dental equipment, policy of the health center and population density. The in-depth interview data showed that this model satisfied the administrators at provincial, district and sub-district level as well as the people. This model can provide a better distribution of oral health care in rural area, and corresponded with the principle of primary. It was recommended that policy and strategy to strengthen the promotion and prevention role of dental nurse is needed. They should be further trained and be supported to strengthen their attitude and skill in this area.