Evaluating the current situation of oral and dental healthcare services in turkey and recommending solutions

Abstract

ObjectivesTo identify issues with Turkey's oral and dental healthcare services and develop recommendations for their effective resolution. MethodsThis study analyzes Turkey's oral and dental healthcare system and its problematic issues and surveys other systems and reform strategies being implemented worldwide. The questionnaire-based field survey asked 560 dentists and 84 managers working in public oral and dental healthcare centers in 12 different regions and 52 central and chamber directors affiliated with the Turkish Dental Association about dental health issues and potential restructuring in dental healthcare in Turkey. The survey comprised four sections that, in addition to gathering participant information, inquired into the current overall condition of the Turkish dental healthcare system, the problems necessitating system restructuring, and recommendations to resolve these problems. ResultsParticipants agree that there are structural and functional problems in Turkey's dental healthcare system. Although there is an overall consensus in regard to the recommendations for resolving the problems, priorities differ among participant groups. However, participants do agree that preventive services in Turkey are insufficient and require improvement. ConclusionsThis study exposed issues in oral and dental healthcare services in Turkey that fall into four categories: management and organization, service delivery, human resources, and financing. Based on the results, we propose a new organization model for oral and dental healthcare in Turkey that is integrated within the healthcare system using a public health approach and that prioritizes preventive healthcare services.