Oral Health Systems in Europe – an overview

Oral diseases are important components of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).Notably, oral diseases afflict people of all ages.They often involve pain and discomfort, loss of oral functioning, impair quality of life, and they may lead to loss of work or school hours [1].The predominant diseases and conditions of the mouth are dental caries, periodontal disease, loss of natural teeth, and oral cancer.Oral diseases are often associated with the major chronic diseases because of common risk factors, primarily an unhealthy diet rich in sugars, use of tobacco, and excessive consumption of alcohol [2,3].In addition, social determinants in oral health and health care are strong [1].Oral diseases are a major public health problem to all countries in Europe.However, as for other NCDs, oral diseases vary extensively across countries and within countries.Social inequities in oral health status and use of oral health services are universal.Substantial variations in oral health care by education, family income and geographical areas are established among children, adolescents, adults, and older people throughout the European Region.Availability and access to oral health systems are important factors in people's oral health status.The purpose of the present article is to outline the diversity of oral health systems in Europe; particularly, the variety of public and private involvement in health care is described.Additionally, the report provides important international statements on challenges to oral health systems development.The work is built on a regional survey carried out by the author among all European Chief Dental Officers 2018-2019.This survey was based on a World Health Organization structured questionnaire prepared for self-administration.Experts in oral health services research reviewed the final summary of answers.