The World Health Survey covered six major states of India, namely, Assam, Karnataka, selleck chemical Ivacaftor Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, which comprise about 47% of the country’s population. The WHS-India covered a representative sample for each state.[27] Overall, 28% of respondents reported oral health problems in India. West Bengal (42%) has the highest proportion of respondents with oral health problems. Respondents treated for oral health problems ranges between 21% and 28%, except West Bengal. Prevalence of oral health problems does not systematically vary by residence, insurance status, and by income quintiles.[27] Of those who were diagnosed with oral health problems, 51% have been treated. The percent of respondents treated for oral health problems is highest in Karnataka (72%) and lowest in Assam (26%).
Prevalence of oral health problems is higher among females than in males. However, the percentage who received treatment for oral health problems do not vary much by sexes. A higher percentage of urban and higher income quintile respondents received treatment for oral health problems.[27] Role of dental insurance in dental care utilization Unlike most western countries, specific dental insurance plans are not common in India. Indian Dental Association has been striving to bring out a new all-inclusive oral and dental health care insurance scheme. However, it has been unable to achieve anything substantial in this front. We, as oral health care workers, are capable to reach every class and village across the country.
Dental health insurance can also bring about dental health care awareness Batimastat percolating at the gross root levels. It would serve as a good motivation to the people to regularly visit the dentist and this in turn serves as an effective preventive measure. If we have to create awareness and pass on the benefits of longevity of teeth across the society, dental profession should impress on to the policy makers to have beneficial dental insurance schemes for the masses.[28] CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Dental disease is a serious public health problem with universal distribution and affecting all age groups. However, despite this universal distribution, only a few seek dental care. Thus a wide gap is created between the actual dental needs of the population and the demand for dental care which is quite understandable from the cited literature. In India, people encounter various obstacles in utilization of dental services.