Dental screening and referral services by medical officers in PHC’S of Solapur District, Maharashtra

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the awareness of dental problems and the referral system adopted by medical officers working in PHCs of Solapur district, Maharashtra, India.
Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among medical officers working in PHCs of Solapur district. A closed ended, structured questionnaire was used consisting of socio-demographic data, awareness regarding dental problems and referral pattern of patients with dental problems by medical officers working in PHC. All the medical officers who were present in the PHCs were included in the study.
 Results: 45% of the patients visited PHCs with dental problems such as dental caries and gum problems. 90% of the medical officers did not offer any dental treatment to the patients. Medication was prescribed by all (100%) the medical officers for the dental problems. Almost 45% of the medical officers referred their patients to a nearby dental college based on the severity of the condition.
Conclusion: Most of the medical officers had a positive attitude towards   diagnosis and treatment of the dental problems but they neither have sufficient knowledge nor the resources to perform dental services. Oral health is neglected in rural areas so there is need for at least one dentist in the PHCs to promote the oral health of the rural people.