It's all about access. Dr. Emerich's article looking at dental caries in young Polish children reminds us that access is the challenge in all countries for health care, medical, dental, and other health professions.
Children in rural areas in Poland still suffer higher levels of dental disease. However, Poland has very competent dental professionals, with more than 24,000 dentists currently in practice—the majority of them in private practice. Poland's 10 dental schools graduate about 900 new dentists each year. According to a report from the Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists dated June 2005,1 oral health care is free of charge for children up to age 18. The National Public Health Fund spends about 3% annually on oral health as a percentage of the total expenditure on health.1
Polish dentists enjoy a very good reputation for their skills and competency. Popular articles and newspapers advertise Polish dentistry as part of the new medical tourism industry that has become popular in Eastern Europe.2 Prices can be as little as one-third the cost as in a Western European country. Polish dentists are also moving into Western Europe and North America to practice.2
As fluoridated toothpaste use continues to increase and rural populations gain access, this disturbing trend will hopefully reverse. The competition from the private sector and the new medical tourism certainly puts pressure on accessibility for the rural poor in Poland and neighboring countries.
References
- 1.Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists. Dental facts about Poland: statistical report. 2005. [cited 2007 Mar 14]. Available from: URL: http://www.fdiworldental.org/resources/assets/facts_and_figures/2004/Poland_2005.pdf.
- 2.Private Healthcare UK. Polish dentists “have better skills and training.”. 2007. [cited 2007 Mar 14]. Available from: URL: http://www.privatehealth.co.uk/private-dentistry/news/february-2007/dental-treatment-poland.