Proposal of survey instrument for child oral and dental health policy in India

Abstract

Oral and dental health examination policy refers to screening of dental and oral cavities on an annual basis as part of their progression during the school period. The oral and dental health examination helps to identify the status of dentition, oral hygiene care, dietary risk, dental anomalies, malocclusion, signs of deleterious habits such as smoking tobacco, sexual abuse, or signs of child neglect. Nutrition relates to both dental development and oral health. Hence, a mandatory policy on oral and dental health examination reports for school-going children will provide a scope for the early detection and early care of dental problems.