Impact of Accessibility to Dental Schools on Oral Health Status of North Indian Children Population

Developing countries all over the world face a multitude of challenges in overcoming various barriers and providing access to oral health care services to the rural and remote population. These areas are maximally affected in achieving oral health care, due to shortage of manpower, resources and distance from established dental set-ups. This study was carried out with the primary purpose of understanding the impact of accessibility to dental schools on the oral health status and oral hygiene awareness of a sample population. A total of 374 subjects were evaluated in the age range of 9-11yr, 12-13 yrs and 14- 15 yrs, out of which 187 subjects having access to dental schools were assessed for various parameters and compared to an equal number of age matched controls living far away from dental schools. Results showed a poorer oral health status and oral hygiene awareness amongst the children residing far away from dental schools as compared to those residing near dental schools. Age wise comparisons indicated a poorer oral hygiene amongst the 14-15 year olds with a higher treatment need as compared to the younger age groups.