Indepth Study on the Oral Health Care Situation of Thai People : Case Study in Maeta District, Lumpang Province.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the oral health care situation in Thai. The data were collected from service provider and consumer aspects both in quantitative and qualitative approaches. The existing reports of the health service at all levels in Maeta District were reviewed to collect the performance of oral health personnel. The service providers and related personnel were also interviewed in-depth about oral health service. In-depth interview and focus group disscussions were used to assess oral health and related behaviors of the people in 3 villages.

The dental services and oral health programs, i.e., oral prophylaxis in pregnancies, oral examination for the children and health education for mothers in well child clinic, oral health surveillance in primary schools and mobile dental service were provided by dental personnel in the community hospital and a dental nurse in a health center. The coverage of dental service was 4.5 percent. Most of the patients had a variety of welfare benefits, only 17 percent paid by themselves. There was a monitoring by personnel in provincial level.

People brushed their teeth twice a day, but irregularly, especially before bedtime. Parents concerned about their children's teeth more than their own. They sometimes consumed aerated water and snack. Oral care was valued as social aspect, not health. They perceived dental caries better than periodontal disease, but when signs and symptoms occured. Most of the people sought oral health services when they had toothache and were satisfied when the pain was relieved. The main reason for choosing where to go was related to transportation and benefit utilization. People in the urban area chose different places according to economic status but those in the rural area went to the health center. There was no other alternative local dental services in the study area.