International Journal of Dentistry Research 2024; 9(3): 98-100 ; DOI:10.31254/dentistry.2024.9307
Brushing Up on Quality: A Deep Dive into Dental Services in Cuddalore District
Nithya Sakthivelu1 , Murugan.S2 , Nandhiha Murugan3 , Yuvaraj Sakthivelu4
1. Assistant Professor, Department of pathology, School of allied health science, VMRF-DU, Puducherry, India
2. Chief Dental Surgeon, Oromax Dental Care, Puducherry, India
3. Chief Dental Surgeon, Dr Tooth Dental Clinic, Puducherry, India
4. Student, Department of Cardiac Technology, School of Allied Health Science, VMRF-DU, Puducherry, India
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 29th September, 2024 / Revised: 1st January, 1970 / Accepted: 29th November, 2024 / Published : 30th December, 2024
Background: Oral health significantly influences overall well-being, happiness, and quality of life. Primary Health Care (PHC) aims to offer accessible, affordable, and effective health services, focusing on prevention and health promotion. This study evaluates the dental care services at Primary Health Care Centers (PHCs) in Vellakarai, Cuddalore District, assessing service awareness, utilization, and quality. Objective: To assess the awareness of dental services among patients, evaluate the utilization and quality of treatments provided by PHCs, determine the knowledge and practices of PHC staff concerning dental care, and identify the types of treatments utilized by patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 120 participants using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SPSS software to measure knowledge, service utilization, treatment satisfaction, and quality of care. Results: The study found that 90% of participants had good knowledge of dental medicine, and 93% were aware of the dental services available at PHCs. Treatment satisfaction was high, with 89% expressing positive feedback. Awareness of dental camps was lower, with only 63% knowledgeable about them. The quality of treatment was rated positively by 79% of participants. Utilization of tobacco awareness programs was low at 71%. Overall, awareness and knowledge of dental services were 67%, quality and treatment assessment was 79%, and service utilization was 45%. Conclusion: While awareness and satisfaction with dental services are high, improvements are needed in areas such as dental camp awareness and preventive program utilization. Enhancing facilities, such as adding x-ray capabilities and improving hygiene and ventilation, is recommended to better meet community needs.
Oral health, Primary Health Care, Dental Services, Health Awareness, Dental Camps, Community Health.
HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE
Sakthivelu N, Murugan S, Murugan N, Sakthivelu Y. Brushing Up on Quality: A Deep Dive into Dental Services in Cuddalore District. Int J Dent Res 2024; 9(3):98-100. doi:10.31254/dentistry.2024.9307
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