In the name of Allah

Subject: Dentistry in Armenia

Samira Kordtabar student of Odontology

Spring of 1390

Dental caries are chronic diseases of multifactor etiology and pathogens .Many factors, such as bacteria Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacillus, cariogenic diet, poor oral hygiene and salivary flow rate cancause dental caries. Dental caries are one of the public heath concerns for several reasons. Teeth affected with dental caries are sources of infection, which can cause an inflammation ofdentalpulp,periodonteum, and gums. If left untreated, this disease gradually leads to teeth loss, which causes chewing difficulties and aesthetic problems . Dental caries affects a large proportion of the world population, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity and place of residence .More than 98 percent of people worldwide suffer from dental caries.

Dental services:

Dental problem:

Dental caries are preventable diseases water fluoridation is an effective tool for prevention of dental caries on the national level. In 1996 the fluoride levels in Yerevan water were below those recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Currently there is no available data on water fluoride levels in Armenia.

Dental care in armenia even under the semashko system largely run in an entrepreneurial manner;so it has been least affected by the social and economic transition.at least 80% of dental care clinics are now operating on a private for profit basis.there are ,however,a number of departments of dental care that remain public,when located within the structure of municipal or rural polyclinics or ambulatory facilities , usually delivering dental care as specialist services for the local population . while previous efforts to develop a national dental care strategy have not been successful, there is ,however a statecoordinated and funded programme of annual school-based preventive dental visits for children 6-12.

12prices for dental health services provided in private dental clinics are largely regulated by the market , with the government having little influence on pricing policy.patients usually choose providers on the basis of perceived quality , affordability and access, with few formal , institutional safe guards .there is no explicit system of quality assurance for dental care services.

Caries Prevalence: DMFT and DMFS

DMFT and DMFS describe the amount - the prevalence - of dental caries in an individual. DMFT and DMFS are means to numerically express the caries prevalence and are obtained by calculating the number ofDecayed (D) Missing (M) Filled (F) teeth (T) or surfaces (S).

Caries Prevalence: DMFT and DMFS

DMFT and DMFS describe the amount - the prevalence - of dental caries in an individual. DMFT and DMFS are means to numerically express the caries prevalence and are obtained by calculating the number of

Decayed (D) Missing (M) Filled (F) teeth (T) or surfaces (S).

Many patients interested in cosmetic dentistry treatment would love to have a smile makeover but cannot afford to pay for treatment up front in cash.

Payment Options to Cover the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry:

Once you have talked to a dentist about cosmetic dentistry prices, you may want to inquire about the payment options available to patients. Most dentists accept cash, check, and credit cards, in addition to cosmetic dentistry financing options to help patients pay for the cost of treatment. Credit cards and financing options allow patients to spread payment out over the course of a few months to a few years. Many dentists offer cosmetic dentistry financing options from local companies, in addition to plans through CareCredit.

Financing:

CareCredit®

CareCredit® is a financing option that provides patients with up to $25,000 to pay for the cost of cosmetic dentistry treatments. Through the use of payment plans with affordable monthly installations, the prices of cosmetic dentistry procedures can be broken into smaller dividends. Cosmetic dentistry financing provides patients with the options they need to manage the cost of cosmetic dentistry treatment. Learn more about CareCredit® and how this financing plan can help you cover the cost of cosmetic dentistry prices.

Impotant: prices for dental health services provided in

private dental clinics are largely regulated by the

market , with the government having little

influence on pricing policy.

Taking care of your teeth is very important. Proper dental care will keep your teeth healthy and strong. Proper hygiene and regular check ups go a long way in preserving your teeth and protecting your oral health for a life time. However, more than likely you and your family are going to need some expensive and important dental procedures. Data from a dentist shows, “the average family can save thousands of dollars with a complete insurance policy”. Having dental insurance is just as important as car insurance or life insurance. Protect your family and self. Let’s take a look at some of the most important types of dental insurance available.

1.Discount Dental Plans

Not technically consider “insurance” it is still a great option for providing for the oral health of your family. Basically, dentists agreed to discount dental fees to be included in the patient referral program. The dental plan company acts as the intermediary between the dentist and the patients. As a patient you pay a fee to have access to the discounted dentist members.

Insurance:

2.Traditional Dental Insurance Plans

This plan provides payment for dental treatments that otherwise would be covered by the individual on a fee-for-service basis. Preventive dental procedures like x-rays, exams, and cleanings are usually covered in full by the Insurance Provider. Other dental procedures will have 50-80%  covered requiring a small co-pay.

3.Capitation Dental Plans (Dental HMO)

This type of insurance policy is an arrangement in which a dentist contracts dental treatments for people enrolled in dental plans. The dentist is paid a fixed monthly rate per dental plan member whom chose the dentist as their health provider.  The dentist in turn provides all the necessary dental treatment. Nearly every preventative treatment will be completely covered while other more invasive procedures will require a co-payment.

Target group: Pregnance women:

Oral and dental health was identified as a large problem in Armenia irrespective of pregnancy. Although cur-rent studies show that serious dental problems should be solved during pregnancy to avoid additional prob-lems for the fetus and mother, women in Armenia delay their dental care until after delivery, as they fear .

Single mothers/mothers with multiple children:

According to a survey conducted by the Armenian Na-tional Fund for Motherhood in 1999, 85% of single mothers and mothers with multiple (4 or more) children surveyed do not have access to health care services

Of the women surveyed had at least 34% dental problems.

Old persons:

there was a paucity of materials for elderly, especially on respiratory illnesses, dental care, tuberculosis and nutrition.

Children:

There is one book and one training material addressing children’s dental care. The book was developed by the Center for Health Services Research and Development in 1997 under the “Health Education Program”, the implementation of which continues since then. The book is available in Armenian and is intended to be used nation-wide. It targets children and is continuously distributed in schools and kindergartens by different NGOs and organizations.

Public resources allocated to health are mostly used to finance a package of basic health care services (basic benefits package or BBP) that is available to certain social groups defined by Law for a small co-payment. For those households that are benefiting from the family poverty cash assistance program with vulnerability score exceeding 38 the BBP is free of charge.

The list of services is limited and reflects a small amount of public resources allocated to the health sector. Services outside the package are provided on a fee for service basis

Family poverty benefit and utilization of health services: For households receiving cash family poverty benefit, which is a major poverty alleviation program in Armenia benefiting almost 130,000 families in 2004.

Basis benefit package:

Free dental services under BBP for children were expanded including children up to 8 years of age and providing preventive dental services to children from 6 to 12 years of age in 2005.

Conclution: As short-term priorities,it is important for the State to consider the

following steps: 1.increasing the role of accountability (legal, political, fiscal, and organizational); 2.advancing organizational performance (developing

strategies/policies that meet general standards and local needs, creating formal/informal coalitions ,stipulating accountability to stakeholders, and applying the principles and practice of corporate governance in health care institutions).

The long-term priorities for the national health care system must consider the development and articulation of a clear national policy on how the main basic functions of the system would be realized over the coming 10–15 years.