The Oral Health Barometer
Beneficiary: The Romanian College of Dentists (CMSR)
Period of implementation: March - May 2024
Online: Official website Facebook
Goal
The study aimed to estimate the current oral health status of the population at national level among the population aged 0-17 years and over 18 years in urban and rural Romania who accessed dental services.
Key figures
Nationally representative sample
1,544 participants: 640 persons aged 0-17 years and 904 persons aged 18 years and over; 172 dentists;
Dental services needed for adults
Between 298,591,277 - 318,711,467 RON of dental services needed for adults
Dental services needed for children
Between 40,389,215 - 43,644,443 RON of dental services needed for children;
Resources
Team of experts in social research, public health, health policy, statistical analysis and dentistry
172 dentists involved in data gathering and clinical examinations
Informational materials (brochures, leaflets, posters – print and digital formats)
Digital platform developed for information, scheduling, and coordination
Objectives
Assessment of knowledge and behaviors associated with oral health (risk factors, habits, lifestyle)
Evaluation of the oral health status of children, adolescents and adults (prevalence of oral diseases, oral hygiene efficiency)
Assessment of the need for dental services among the population by various categories (age groups, residence environment, etc.)
Main activities
Desk research study - analysis of oral health related documents and secondary analysis of available statistical data
Data collection through face-to-face questionnaires in dentists' offices, followed by analysis and processing of the results
Conduct of clinical examinations by dentists
Final report with recommendations for improving public oral health policies
Results
Over two-thirds of Romanians have at least one oral health condition
Cavitated dental caries affect 66% of children and 64% of adults
Gingival inflammation is present in 35% of children and 57% of adults
Periodontitis affects 38% of adults
There is a major gap between the need for dental services and the coverage provided by the National Health Insurance (CNAS)
Dental emergencies caused by acute infections affect 11% of children and 19% of adults
Dento-maxillary anomalies are found in 29% of children
Unrestored edentulism affects 73% of adults
92% of adults consider regular dental check-ups important, but only 32% benefit from services covered by CNAS
Over 70% of adults do not use dental floss, interdental brushes, or oral irrigators
44% of adults had a dental check-up in the past year
Only 56% of adults brush their teeth twice a day