Policies for improving oral health in Europe

Abstract

Background and Objective The main purpose of this review was to rehearse the available evidence of good practice in dental public health in order to define policies that could improve oral health in the enlarged European Union and associated countries. Secondary objectives were to describe the basic principles of health service organisation and management, to examine available data on current oral health in Europe and some of its likely determinants - together with a brief overview of the organisation of dental services in the constituent countries - and to discuss aspects of policy related to the task of delivering oral health care, including organisational frameworks and resources, strategies and operations, management and the workforce, and monetary and other motivating incentives. Methods Relevant literature was reviewed selectively and synthesised. Data were abstracted from appropriate papers and reports, and collated and analysed. Results The information gained was used to suggest a series of strategies to help inform decision makers and those formulating oral health service policy in Europe. Conclusions The review concludes with a list of suggestions and recommendations that are not intended to be prescriptive but which should point the way toward future progress.