Experts Urged the Government to “Pick Up Pace and Keep Its Promises” on Dentistry

Dentistry is an essential aspect of healthcare that often goes overlooked. Good oral health is not only crucial for a beautiful smile, but it also plays a significant role in maintaining overall well-being. However, in recent years, access to quality dental care has become a challenge for many individuals, especially those from low-income backgrounds. The government has made numerous promises to improve the state of dentistry in the country, but experts believe that they are yet to fulfill them. Therefore, it is time for the government to pick up the pace and keep its promises on dentistry.

The lack of access to affordable and quality dental care has been a long-standing issue in our country. According to a report by the World Health Organization, more than half of the world’s population lacks access to essential oral health services. The situation is no different in our country. Many people struggle to find a dentist who offers quality care at an affordable price. Moreover, in remote areas, there is a severe shortage of dentists, making it even more challenging for people to seek proper dental care.

The government has recognized this issue and has promised to take necessary steps to improve the state of dentistry in the country. In 2018, the National Oral Health Policy was launched, with a vision to provide accessible, equitable, and affordable dental care to all citizens. It aimed to achieve this by 2025, but experts believe that the progress towards this goal has been slow. The current state of dentistry in the country is far from satisfactory, and it is time for the government to pick up the pace and turn its promises into actions.

One of the main areas where the government needs to focus is the integration of dentistry into the primary healthcare system. Currently, dental care is considered a separate entity from the overall healthcare system, leading to a lack of coordination and inadequate resources. The National Oral Health Policy aimed to integrate oral health services with primary healthcare, but it has not been implemented effectively. The government must prioritize this issue and work towards establishing a well-coordinated healthcare system that includes oral health services.

Another significant challenge in the field of dentistry is the shortage of qualified dentists, especially in remote areas. According to a report by the Indian Dental Association, there is a significant disparity in the dentist-population ratio between urban and rural regions. While urban areas have one dentist for every 10,000 people, in rural areas, this ratio is as low as one dentist for every 30,000 people. This disparity makes it difficult for people living in remote areas to access dental care. The government must take necessary steps to address this issue and ensure that there is a sufficient number of qualified dentists in all regions of the country.

Moreover, the cost of dental treatment remains a significant barrier for many people. The expenses involved in dental procedures, such as fillings, root canals, and braces, can be a burden for a majority of the population. The government must work towards making dental care more affordable, especially for those from low-income backgrounds. This can be achieved by providing subsidies or insurance coverage for dental procedures. The government must also support dental colleges and institutions to provide quality education and training to aspiring dentists, which can ultimately lead to a reduction in treatment costs.

In addition to these challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic has also had a severe impact on the field of dentistry. Due to the fear of virus transmission, many people avoid visiting dental clinics, leading to a decline in dental treatments. This has not only affected the dental health of individuals but has also had a significant impact on the livelihoods of dentists and their staff. The government must provide necessary support and resources to dental clinics to ensure their safety and to encourage people to seek dental care.

It is evident that there are several challenges that the government needs to address to fulfill its promises on dentistry. However, with the right approach and determination, these challenges can be overcome. The government must work towards creating a more conducive environment for dentists to practice and for people to access dental care. It must also allocate sufficient resources and funding towards the development of the dental sector. The National Oral Health Policy must be implemented effectively, and necessary measures must be taken to ensure that all citizens have access to quality dental care.

In conclusion, dentistry is an essential aspect of healthcare that requires urgent attention. The government must pick up the pace