635. Oral health program: evolution, instruments and results

The state of oral health in children and young people is particularly worrying for the acquired knowledge that caries and periodontal diseases, if properly prevented or treated early, are of a high vulnerability, with reduced economic costs and gains on relevant health. Since 1985, the General Directorate of Health has an ongoing National Programme for the Promotion of Oral Health. This program of oral health in the National Health Service (NHS), began with the promotion of oral health in schools, and later extended to preventive and curative measures with the entry of Oral Hygienists (HO) and contracting with service private dentistry. In 2008, this contractual model has been revised emerging dentist check. The study aims to contribute to the understanding of the evolution of oral health program, their instruments and their latest results. In the empirical study, we analyzed data resulted from information compilation of the Oral Health Program for Children and Youth and screenings conducted at school. The study intends to reflect on the benefits / costs of a model that favors the traces of dental caries, as a measure of screening versus a universal subsidy model which enables access to all children. Hiring Oral Hygienists may have capital gains not only in the short term through the screening of children to assign dentist check, but also long-term with the systematic implementation of measures to promote oral health. In the sample it was found that only about 45.5% of children at age 7, the free teeth have cavities. The study data reveal a membership of only half of the children to a totally free, with 24.7% of children who actually had oral health needs did not use dental check. However, virtually all children using the check complete their treatment plan. The exception that occurs at age 10, related to the eruption of the premolars, suggests a review of the age cohorts assignment dentist check. With application of screening a universe of 237 children with an average rate of 40.7% caries free, it would be possible to reduce costs in 5700 euros. The economic analysis of the oral health sector can make an important contribution in decision-making in this health sector.