Approaches to improve access to dental care services

Abstract

Dental health contributes to general health, wellness as well as self-esteem and quality-of-life. Cost and fear are routinely cited as the largest barriers to care. Dental health neglect, particularly that of professional dental care is quite widespread in the entire world. The traditional offi ce and clinic-based oral health care delivery system is failing to reach a large segment of the population particularly in the developing nations. It would be useful to understand the factors which infl uence the underutilization of available dental health care services. This would help in designing suitable interventions to reduce dental neglect around the world. The present review article covers similar issues and provides some innovative methods that may help in augmenting the utilization of dental care services.