Evaluation of demands and needs for dental care in a population of Gwalior District

Objectives: To evaluate the demands and needs for dental care and to identify the level of dental and periodontal status in population of Gwalior District, India. Methods: A total of 1000 (483males and 517 females) subjects in Gwalior District were examined. The chief complaint of each patient was recorded and considered to be a measure of demand for dental care. The World Health Organization's (WHO) basic methods (4th edition) was used to determine the tooth-based normative treatment needs. Periodontal status was determined by using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). In addition, prosthetic normative needs were assessed. Results: 35.7% & 27.9% of 35-44 age group & 45-64 age group had painful gums as a chief complaint respectively and 42.7% of >65 age group had mobility as the chief complaint. Conclusions: Steps should be taken to overcome this disparity and more emphasis should be given to meet the normative need of the people through government and non government organizations to improve the oral health.