Systems for the provision of oral health care in the Black Sea countries. Part 11: Serbia.

Introduction Health care is seen as an important activity in Serbia and is aimed at population health, which includes oral health. Dental health care has a long tradition in Serbia [1]. Modern dental health care in Serbia developed after the Second World War. The first dental college was opened in Belgrade in 1948. The first dental health facility was opened in Pancevo in 1944 as a dental clinic, in which there were three dental chairs. Its patients were members of the military and its staff consisted of one doctor, three dentists, four dental technicians, and four dental assistants. In 1945, there were 108 dentists working in Belgrade. The concept of dental health in the post-war period was based on the principle of increasing the number of professional staff, developing and expanding network of dental facilities, and improving the system of treatment. The development of dental services was intense and extensive. However, despite the investment of funds, the expected results were not achieved. Prevention of dental caries and periodontal diseases for the population of Serbia, the most common problems of dental-oral health, was not achieved. After an analysis of problems of the existing system, the current Serbian system was developed. However, there have always been limited funds for the system.