Directorate of Health Services

Dental Health Care Programme

Dental Health Care Services in Arunachal Pradesh started during 1968-69. Despite gradual expansion of healthcare facilities, oral and dental diseases continue to remain a major public health challenge in the state. High prevalence of dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral ulcers, cysts, malocclusion and road traffic accident related oral injuries affect the quality of life and overall health of the population.

1

State Referral Hospital

11

District Hospitals

69

Dental Surgeons

16

NOHP Contractual Staff

Background

Dental and oral diseases are recognized as important public health concerns with direct impact on general health, nutrition, speech, mastication and overall wellbeing. Poor oral hygiene and lack of preventive care often lead to severe pain, tooth loss and reduced productivity due to loss of working hours.

Arunachal Pradesh continues to face shortage of dental machinery, equipment, materials and trained manpower, particularly in rural and remote areas. Lack of oral health awareness among the population further increases the burden of preventable dental diseases.

Oral Health Survey (2005-2007)

A multicentric oral health survey was conducted across India under a collaborative programme of the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India and WHO. Arunachal Pradesh was selected as one of the participating states and Papum Pare district represented the state due to its cosmopolitan population.

Survey Findings Status
Dental Caries in Adults 60% - 80%
Dental Caries in Children 45% - 48%
Average DMF in Children 1 - 1.5
Average DMF in Adults 2.6
Filled Teeth Less than 1%
Smoking Habit in Adults 6%
Smoking Habit in Geriatric Population 17.5%
People Never Visited Dental Clinic 50% - 70%

Present Health Facility Status

Facility Type Numbers
State Referral Hospital (TRIHMS) 1
General Hospitals 6
District Hospitals 11
Community Health Centres (CHC) 63
Primary Health Centres (PHC) 143
Health Sub-Centres 584
Regular Dental Surgeons 69
GDMO 7
RBSK Staff 25
NOHP Contractual Staff 16

Key Findings

  • High prevalence of dental caries among adults and children.
  • Poor oral health awareness and low utilization of dental services.
  • Very low restorative dental treatment coverage.
  • Significant gap between oral healthcare needs and service availability.
  • Lack of dental infrastructure, manpower and equipment in remote areas.
  • Increasing need for Prosthodontic and restorative dental care.

Preventive & Curative Strategies

Awareness & Prevention
  • Training of school teachers, ASHA, Anganwadi and paramedical staff.
  • Distribution of IEC materials including posters, pamphlets and radio talks.
  • Organizing dental camps, workshops and oral health awareness programmes.
  • Providing subsidized dentures for economically weaker elderly population.
Strengthening Services
  • Provision of dental equipment, machinery and materials.
  • Deployment of dental surgeons up to PHC level.
  • Establishment of Multi-Specialty Dental Unit at TRIHMS.
  • Introduction of Mobile Dental Clinics and Dental College.

Future Requirements

  • Creation of posts for Dental Health Services under Directorate of Health Services and Medical Education.
  • Appointment of Dental Technicians, Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants.
  • Strengthening preventive oral health programmes at village level.
  • Expansion of oral healthcare services in remote and underserved districts.
  • Improved integration of oral health with general healthcare delivery.