Patient- and Clinician-Reported Oral Health Data in Primary Dental Care Practices in Lebanon

TL;DR

This study assesses oral health in Lebanon using patient and dentist reports, revealing poor oral health linked to economic challenges.

Contribution

The study validates standardized oral health data collection tools in a Lebanese dental care context.

Findings

40% of patients reported good oral health, while 40.6% had gingivitis.

The mean number of teeth with caries was 3.7, and 61.4% brushed ≥2 times/day.

Poor oral health is linked to the economic crisis, urging new national strategies.

Abstract

Introduction

The Fédération Dentaire Internationale (FDI) World Dental Federation, in collaboration with the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM), developed a standardized set of oral health outcomes. A study was initiated in 12 countries to validate the data collection tools and methods used in dental practice. The aim of this study was to report the methods used and results collected by the study conducted by the FDI, under the umbrella of the Lebanese Dental Association, in Lebanon.

Methods

Two different questionnaires were administered about the patient’s clinical oral health status - one filled by the patient and one by the dentist.

Results

A total of 798 patients were recruited by 26 dentists. Of these patients, 40.0% reported good oral health, 44.7% reported good general health, 65.5% reported that their last dental visit was within the last year, and 61.4% reported that they brush their teeth ≥2 times/day. The calculated mean oral health impact score was 6.4. More than 30% of patients consumed sugary foods/drinks. The mean number of teeth with caries was 3.7, and the mean number of filled teeth was 6.6. Gingivitis was the most common periodontal disease (40.6%).

Conclusion

The results of this study highlight the poor oral health status among Lebanese citizens, and the situation is expected to deteriorate due to the economic crisis. The National Committee of Oral Health should implement a new strategy to combat this disease and improve oral health status.