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Cameroonian Dentists’ Opinion On Training And Quality Of Dental Services Rendered By Dental Auxiliaries
Abstract
Objective
To assess Cameroonian dentists’ opinion on training and quality of dental services rendered by dental auxiliaries.
Material and Methods:
The questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted
amongst randomly selected dentists from six provinces in Cameroon in the first quarter of 2010.
Results
More than half (51.4%) of the 37 respondents have worked with dental auxiliaries for more than 4 years with higher interaction between the respondents and dental therapists (59.5%). Majority approved scaling and polishing and tooth extraction, few approved root canal therapy and none approved minor surgical procedure like salivary stone removal for the dental auxiliaries. Most respondents (86.5%) agreed that dental auxiliaries work well with 30 (81.1%) opining that the quality of services rendered by the dental auxiliaries were very satisfactory. A total of 15 (41%) of the respondents thought that dental therapists should work in specific areas with 80% recommending rural areas. Majority of the respondents 30 (81.1%) thought that dental auxiliaries are important in oral health care delivery in Cameroon and 33 (89.2%) of the respondents thought that government should continue the training of dental auxiliaries.
Conclusion
The study revealed high level of interactions between dentists and dental auxiliaries in Cameroon. The respondents’ opinions about dental auxiliaries were mostly positive. There existed variability in opinion of respondents about procedures that dental auxiliaries should perform. The is need for establishment of regulatory agency which would tap and harmonize all the derivable potential from dental auxiliaries.
To assess Cameroonian dentists’ opinion on training and quality of dental services rendered by dental auxiliaries.
Material and Methods:
The questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted
amongst randomly selected dentists from six provinces in Cameroon in the first quarter of 2010.
Results
More than half (51.4%) of the 37 respondents have worked with dental auxiliaries for more than 4 years with higher interaction between the respondents and dental therapists (59.5%). Majority approved scaling and polishing and tooth extraction, few approved root canal therapy and none approved minor surgical procedure like salivary stone removal for the dental auxiliaries. Most respondents (86.5%) agreed that dental auxiliaries work well with 30 (81.1%) opining that the quality of services rendered by the dental auxiliaries were very satisfactory. A total of 15 (41%) of the respondents thought that dental therapists should work in specific areas with 80% recommending rural areas. Majority of the respondents 30 (81.1%) thought that dental auxiliaries are important in oral health care delivery in Cameroon and 33 (89.2%) of the respondents thought that government should continue the training of dental auxiliaries.
Conclusion
The study revealed high level of interactions between dentists and dental auxiliaries in Cameroon. The respondents’ opinions about dental auxiliaries were mostly positive. There existed variability in opinion of respondents about procedures that dental auxiliaries should perform. The is need for establishment of regulatory agency which would tap and harmonize all the derivable potential from dental auxiliaries.
