Assessment of Oral Health Care (OHC) of Universidad De Zamboanga: Basis for Designing an Oral Health Program
Elmer Robertino G Garcia
Discipline: Dentistry
Abstract:
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies critical concerns in oral health care, particularly in developing nations where economic and educational barriers restrict access to dental knowledge. This issue also affects developed countries, prompting the need for revisions to programs such as School-Based Dental Health Programs. At Universidad de Zamboanga in the Philippines, challenges persist in implementing a comprehensive oral health program, despite existing services and mandated standards for educational institutions. This study evaluates the oral health status of university constituents, focusing on demographics, equipment, and services available. Using a descriptive research design and systematic random sampling, data were collected from faculty, staff, and students. Grounded in contingency management theory and the Health Belief Model, the research seeks to enhance awareness and improve practices through a robust Oral Health Care Program compliant with governmental standards. Results indicate moderately good dental care practices among respondents, yet they do not meet recommended visit frequencies. A low DMFT index suggests relatively effective services, but the lack of a structured program highlights the need for improvement. Recommendations include enhancing dental services, expanding the school dentist's role, and implementing awareness initiatives to improve the community's dental health knowledge, attitudes, and practices. This study underscores the urgent necessity for a comprehensive oral health program at Universidad de Zamboanga to strengthen dental health within its community.
References:
- Arjun Gauba, Ikreet Singh Bal, Ashish Jain, & Hitesh Chander Mittal. (2013). School-based oral health promotional intervention: Effect on knowledge, practices and clinical oral health-related parameters. Journal of Public Health Dentistry. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3883330/
- Caceres, M. V. P. (2011). Zamboanga A. E. Colleges/Universidad de Zamboanga. Ad Veritatem Journal, University of Santo Tomas.
- Carrellas, A., Day, A., & Cadet, T. (2017). Oral health care needs of young adults transitioning from foster care. Health & Social Work, 43(1).
- Christensen, L. B., Petersen, P. E., Krustrup, U., & Kjøller, M. (2003). Self-reported oral hygiene practices among adults in Denmark. Community Dental Health.
- Department of Health, Republic of the Philippines. (2003). Dental health program. Retrieved from https://www.doh.gov.ph/dental-health-program (Accessed June 13, 2018).
- Department of Health. (1998). Standards for private school dental health services (Revised edition).
- Healy, J. (1999). Statistics: A tool for social research. Wadsworth Publishing Company.
- Jones, R. D., et al. (n.d.). A guide for developing and enhancing community oral health programs. American Association for Community Dental Programs. Retrieved from http://www.aacdp.com (Accessed June 2018).
- Joven, J. (2009). Assessment of community outreach programs of dental schools in the Philippines. 9th World Congress on Preventive Dentistry 2009. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266760135 (Accessed June 13, 2018).
- Kamble, V. S., Bandar, S. M., Takprre, A., & Reddy, S. (2006). Evaluation of oral hygiene awareness and practices among medical students. International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, 3(1), 83–85.
- Shekhawat, K. S., Chauhan, A., & Priya, H. (n.d.). Planning and implementing school oral health programs: A scoping review. Journal of Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry. Retrieved from http://www.jiaphd.org (Accessed June 13, 2018).
- MORPHE Manual. (2008).
- Nakre, P. D., & Harikiran, A. G. (2013). Effectiveness of oral health education programs: A systematic review. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4000911/
- PACUCOA Manual. (2006).
- Peltola, J. S., Venta, I., & Lakoma, A. (2006). Dental and oral radiographic findings in first-year university students in 1982 and 2002 in Helsinki, Finland. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, 64(1), 42–46.
- Petersen, P. E., & Kwan, S. (2004). Evaluation of community-based oral health promotion and oral disease prevention: WHO recommendations for improved evidence in public health practice. Oral Health Programme, Department of Chronic Disease and Health Promotion, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Philippine Journal of Development. (2013). Volume XL, Numbers 1 & 2.
- Racelis, R. H. (2013). Health care in private schools and private establishments in the Philippines.
- Reddy, V., Bennadi, D., Gaduputi, S., Kshetrimayum, N., Siluvai, S., & Reddy, C. V. (2014). Oral health-related knowledge, attitude, and practice among the pre-university students of Mysore city. Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry.
- Redaa, M., Kroisa, J., Franziska, S., Redaa, W., Thomson, M., & Schwendicke, F. (2018). The impact of demographic, health-related, and social factors on dental services utilization: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Romualdez, A. G. Jr., dela Rosa, J. F. E., Flavier, J. D. A., Quimbo, S. L. A., Hartigan-Go, K. Y., Lagrada, L. P., & David, L. C. (2011). The Philippines health system review. Health Systems in Transition, Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies.
- Slack-Smith, L., & Hyndman, J. (2004). The relationship between demographic and health-related factors on dental service attendance by older Australians. British Dental Journal, 197.
- Song, I.-S., Han, K., Choi, Y., Ryu, J.-J., & Park, J.-B. (2012). Influence of oral health behavior and socio-demographic factors on remaining teeth in Korean adults: 2010–2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
- Sugimoto, J. M., & Stridiron, A. K. (2017). Needs and assets assessment of oral health services in Hawai’i: Results and recommendations. Retrieved from https://www.hawaiidentalservice.com
- Yap, A. (2017). Oral health equals total health. Journal of Dentistry Indonesia, 24. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319919543 (Accessed October 25, 2021).
ISSN 2719-0692 (Online)
ISSN 2704-419X (Print)