Unfortunately, social inequality exists in access to dental care. A recent worldwide survey underscores how dental care in the school environment is significantly helping to guarantee social equality in dental health. Even in developing countries, these results still stand.
Children in many countries generally have healthy gums and teeth. This is particularly true for children apart of high living standards and who are within the reach of fluoride-based toothpaste. However, in poverty-stricken countries around the world, proper dental care is not always available.
Fortunately, there’s good news. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Health Promoting Schools Initiative is gradually getting rid of social inequalities in dental care. It is worthy to remark that schools, which offer kids education in disease prevention and dental health, are well-positioned to set kids on the right path to a healthy life.
Studies disclose that those educational institutions are typically suitable for educating students regarding alcohol, physical exercise, tobacco, proper diet, and HIV control. Additionally, approximately 60 percent of nations participating in the study teach pupils how to properly brush their teeth.
Social Inequality: Dental Education in Developing Countries
Unfortunately, not all countries have access to sanitary conditions and clean water. Undeniably, this is a major challenge, particularly in Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia. Thus, providing dental education in these areas is a challenge in itself.
The biggest threat to further improve dental health in low-income countries is the lack of trained staff and financial resources. Thus, educational institutes in impoverished countries dedicate little to no time to dental care training.
It is fundamental to know that social inequality in dental care and health is a hefty problem all over the globe, according to researchers. Additionally, inequality is greater in developing nations where people are suffering with a rising number of toothaches, scarce resources, kids afflicted with HIV or AIDS and other infectious diseases, and lack of preventive measures.
In fact, even wealthy nations like Denmark encounter social inequalities with dental care. Yet, we automatically assume dental health is much more advanced among adults and kids today, but this isn’t universal. As a result, financially- and socially-disadvantaged groups have greater rates of oral complications.
Meanwhile, maintaining healthy gums and teeth for life is critical to reduce the risks of diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions. Sadly, not all nations globally are able to run an educational system of this kind. While education is important for these nations, it all starts with the right resources (e.g., clean water, finances).