Abstract:
The evaluation was carried out in terms of five major dimensions namely, efficiency,
effectiveness, adequacy, equity and quality using seventeen indicators. These indicators
validated using the consensual opinion often experts in dental public health. The study was
conducted in twenty school dental clinics selected randomly. The mean cost of providing
care per dental visit was Rs.124.24. Roughly 70 percent of feeder schools had been covered
through outreach clinics. About 56 percent of the children in the target age group were
screened in feeder schools and of those screened approximately 90 percent received care for
the identified treatment needs. School Dental Services are not distributed in an equitable
m:1nner The mean SDT: target population ratio was 1: 5084 in the Western Province: It
ranged from zero to 1: 1425 at the DS divisional level. The study revealed that 98 percent of
dental extractions carried out were satisfactory. In contrast only 62 percent of dental
restorations and 63 percent of scaling done by the School Dental Therapists were
satisfactory. It seemed that some of the dental therapists were unable to assess the treatment
need for scaling. It was also revealed that almost 17 percent of clinical records were
inaccurate. A further 25 percent were incomplete. Almost all the school dental clinics
selected for the study had satisfactory physical facilities. However, the mean availability of
surgical consumables was approximately 60 percent . Overall, the proficiency exhibited by
the School Dental Therapists was satisfactory. Over 70 percent of the School Dental
Therapists obtained a cumulative score over 70 .The majority (80 percent) of the School
Dental Therapists were satisfied about the physical facilities in the clinics. However 50
percent were not satisfied with the equipment and 80 percent with the delivery of dental
materials and other consumables. A large majority (89 percent) of the recipients of the
School Dental Service were satisfied about the standard of care provided by the School
Dental Therapists and approximately 92 percent were of the opinion that the School Dental
Service should continue as at present without change.
