Oral Health Status and Healthcare System in I.R. Iran

Abstract

Objective: Oral and dental health has substantial impact on physical, social and mental well-being of all peoples. The aim of this study was to report the oral health status and oral health system in Iran.

Methods: The latest WHO Oral Health Survey methodology and criteria was used to perform the first comprehensive national oral health survey in Iran. All suggested five age groups of children and adults were recruited from all provinces in Iran. The use of such information is mostly needed for planning appropriate interventions necessary to control and improve the oral health of nation. Although, oral healthcare services are provided by both public and private institutions, the focus of this report is to describe the current public infrastructure that can have a greater impact on the oral health status nationwide.

Results: The national survey revealed that, dental caries, periodontal diseases and tooth loss are increasing compared with previous data. Caries-free status is sharply declining from 12 to 15 years old (27%) and number of edentulous people is exceeding 50% in 65-74 year old age groups. These data indicate the urgent need for proper interventions in all age groups, especially in children. The declaration of “2015-ORAL HEALTHCARE REFORM†by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education has paved the way for oral health promotion in children under age 14 at the national level. The target is to halt the progression of oral diseases and maximize the promotion of oral health and quality of life by the year 2025 for the target population.   

Conclusion: Although, the trends of oral diseases are still increasing in almost all areas over the past two decades, the necessary policy has been ratified and evidence-based strategies have been implemented in order to overcome the identified obstacles.  Although, the decline in the rate of dental caries in 12-year old children is reported recently, caution must be exercised in order to safeguard quality of care and supervision in order to observe the expected outcomes by the target deadline.