Improving dental care for children in secondary schools.

The preservation and strengthening of the health of schoolchildren is a priority in the activities of the state in the field of education. However, there is a tendency towards an increase in dental morbidity at school age, the loss in most regions of the network of school dental offices, a decrease in the availability and quality of dental care for schoolchildren. Purpose: the aim of the study is to study the level and structure of dental diseases in school-age children in modern conditions, to substantiate the ways and forms of participation of non-governmental dental organizations in the activities of dental offices in secondary schools, taking into account the age of children, opinions and consent of parents. Materials and methods. The level and structure of dental morbidity of schoolchildren aged 6–17 years were assessed according to preventive medical examinations and an in-depth special dental examination: a medical card for a dental patient and a card for examining the child’s oral cavity. The organization of dental care for school-age children in private clinics and secondary educational schools was studied according to a sociological survey of parents. Results. The level and structure of dental diseases in school-age children in modern conditions have been established, among which caries, gingivitis and periodontal diseases, and maxillofacial anomalies were common. An analysis of the primary appeal of schoolchildren aged 6–17 to private dental organizations and to dental school offices revealed the commitment of most parents to public dental organizations and a positive attitude towards dental offices in schools. Ways and forms of participation of non-governmental dental organizations in the activities of dental offices in secondary educational schools, taking into account the age of children, opinion and consent of parents, are scientifically substantiated. The results of the implementation of the proposed program for the provision of preventive dental care for children in school offices are shown. Findings. The proposed model for the participation of dental commercial organizations in the activities of dental offices in secondary educational schools allows improving the quality and accessibility of dental care for school-age children and improving their dental health.