5.2.2.4. Dental Health Practitioners

Dental Surgeons
 

• Collaborate with various healthcare professionals to obtain timely and relevant data on disease trends to ensure effective monitoring and control of diseases.
• Collecting data on NCDs, caries, fillings, loses, periodontitis and oral cancers.
• Provide patient data, including diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes to other healthcare professionals; and to Epidemiology Unit as needed.
• Report cases of specific diseases or conditions of interest (caries, fillings and loses, periodontitis and oral cancer) to the surveillance system monthly.
• Notifying NCD (Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease) and CDs monthly to Epidemiology Unit.
• Report immediately to the EpiU the detection of an outbreak or acute public health emergency.

Dental Hygienists/Dental Assistants/ Dental Therapists:

• Collect patient data on NCDs, caries, fillings, loses, periodontitis and oral cancers.
• Identify and report oral diseases or conditions that may have public health implications.
• To educate patients on oral diseases and the importance of preventative care

Risk Communication Specialists:

• Collaboration with Epi-Unit focused on effectively disseminating information to dental surgeons and the public regarding disease outbreaks, prevention strategies, and surveillance updates.
• Ensuring clear and timely communication to promote awareness and facilitate appropriate actions.

Quality Assurance Coordinator:

• Ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of data reported by dental surgeons and other sources.
• Performing regular audits to identify discrepancies, provide feedback, and implement corrective measures.
• Coordinating training programs to improve data reporting practices.

Note: Overall, the collaborative efforts of dental surgeons, data analysts, epidemiologists, public health authorities, risk communication specialists, and quality assurance coordinators are essential for the effective epidemiological surveillance of dental diseases. By monitoring and tracking trends, outbreaks, and risk factors, these professionals facilitate evidence-based decision-making to improve oral health outcomes.