Experts revealed this information at the International Conference on Oral and Maxillofacial Science and Exhibition, held from 21/8 to 23/8 in Hanoi. The event provided doctors and specialists with updates on the latest advancements in the field.
Currently, only an estimated 7% of the population undergoes regular dental checkups, while the prevalence of oral diseases remains alarmingly high. Statistics show that over 85% of children have cavities, and more than 80% of adults suffer from gingivitis or periodontitis.
"These conditions are the primary cause of premature tooth loss, impacting overall health," said Associate Professor Tran Cao Binh, director of the National Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology. He added that early detection leads to less expensive and more effective treatment.
Untreated cavities in children can easily lead to pulpitis and pulp necrosis. This can also cause problems such as maxillary sinusitis, lymphadenitis, and osteomyelitis. Cavities affect children's daily lives, impacting their eating, sleeping, and learning.
The prevalence of oral diseases in Vietnam is similar to global rates, but the severity and complexity are often higher. Many patients seek treatment at a late stage, resulting in tooth loss. When a tooth is lost, adjacent teeth can shift, and the opposing tooth can erupt, disrupting the chewing system and affecting the bite and temporomandibular joint.
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A doctor performs a dental examination. Photo: Loan Bui |
A doctor performs a dental examination. Photo: Loan Bui
At the conference, Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Tri Thuc acknowledged that oral health is fundamental to overall health and a measure of quality of life. The field of Odonto-Stomatology not only addresses diseases and restores function but also has the mission of creating smiles and improving appearances. He praised Vietnamese doctors for mastering advanced dental techniques, comparable to those in other countries in the region. This has helped retain patients within the country for treatment while attracting international patients due to competitive pricing.
However, the Deputy Minister suggested that the field needs to develop a comprehensive school dental program, protecting the younger generation from preschool and elementary school. The goal is to make oral care a cultural habit and a healthy lifestyle for Vietnamese people. Research and practical applications should prioritize common diseases like cavities, periodontal disease, and temporomandibular joint disorders. At the same time, there's a need for further development of specialized techniques like implants, plastic surgery, and cosmetic restoration.
"We also need to focus on training and developing high-quality human resources, especially the younger generation of doctors and dentists," the Deputy Minister said, calling for the application of artificial intelligence, digital dentistry, 3D technology, and robotics. He also emphasized the need to build a national oral health database linked to electronic health records.
The Ministry of Health has issued a project to improve the capacity of oral and maxillofacial examination and treatment and community oral disease prevention from 2021 to 2030. Community oral care is being emphasized for various age groups, including preschoolers, kindergarteners, school-aged children, and the elderly. Previously, Vietnam focused solely on school dental programs for elementary school children.
Le Nga
