280. Analysis of the National Study of Prevalence of Oral Diseases in 2008 (Part 1)

PREFACE

This is a foreword to the National Study of Prevalence of Oral Diseases 2008 published by the Directorate General of Health Follow up with further comments in due course where there will be a detailed and careful analysis of each of the chapters that make up the study.

A publication by the Directorate General of Health, the National Study of Prevalence of Oral Diseases 2008, by the way, referring to the 2005/06 school year, come be a further document to the appropriate diagnosis and analysis of the health of the Portuguese, in which case regard to oral health.

Praising all the work done by the team that took him out, now it is suggested not to lose momentum, teamwork, persuading it to continue its invaluable work and to deepen the theme, extending it to a larger universe. Being one of the few research as part of oral health carried out at national level, may be suggested to the Directorate General of Health to strengthen the team that put it together and that they may continue their activities, now more favored with the expansion of new technologies for collecting, processing and analysis. It is suggested that the establishment of working partnerships between the team that conducted the study and the various national authorities that may somehow contribute to research in this area, either because they are directly related to oral health, for example the various professional and training entities associated with oral health or other entities independent of the Ministry of Education and that may contribute to the collection and processing of information, either by opening initiatives that allow the input of others, individually or collectively, to solve the problems detected.

Therefore, the National Study of Prevalence of Oral Diseases 2008 is not an end but the beginning of a comprehensive national program to combat oral health problems affecting the population.

Another suggestion is made to the Directorate General of Health is allowing the release of National Study of Prevalence of Oral Diseases 2008 at an address directly on the Internet without the need to necessarily download it from the site of the Directorate General of Health, allowing easier access to its content.