Qatar Launches 3rd National Oral and Dental Health Survey for Adolescents

QATAR: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Qatar has announced the commencement of the 3rd National Oral and Dental Health Survey targeting adolescent students aged 12-16 years. 

Collaborators include the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation, the Medical Services Department at the Ministry of Interior, Qatar University, and Qatar Energy.

Survey Objectives

The survey, encompassing approximately 2,300 students from both public and private schools, aims to assess the prevalence of dental caries and gum disease among adolescents in Qatar. 

By focusing on this age group, the survey intends to gather valuable insights into the oral health status and related issues affecting young students across the country.

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To ensure the successful implementation of the survey, the MoPH organized training workshops for the medical staff involved in the data collection process. 

Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programs Department at the MoPH, emphasized the significance of the survey in obtaining accurate results and addressing pertinent oral health concerns among adolescents.

Examination Process and Outcomes

A specialized medical team will conduct examinations using a mobile clinic, supplemented by questionnaire responses from students’ parents. 

The survey includes inquiries about dietary habits to assess the correlation between food consumption and dental caries rates. Following the examinations, students will receive guidance on the importance of dental care and the necessity of seeking professional assistance when needed.

The survey outcomes will equip health officials and supervisors with essential data to formulate recommendations for mitigating the spread of oral and dental diseases and devising effective prevention strategies. 

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Furthermore, the MoPH plans to extend its oral health survey initiatives to include adults aged 18 years and above, underscoring its commitment to promoting awareness and delivering quality oral healthcare services across all segments of society.

Previous Surveys and Insights

The upcoming survey follows two previous assessments conducted in 2011 and 2017, which highlighted the prevalence of tooth decay among students and identified the relationship between oral health knowledge and health practices, including dietary habits. These surveys underscore the ongoing efforts of the MoPH to monitor oral health trends and implement targeted interventions to enhance public health outcomes in Qatar.