Abstract:
AIM : The aim of this study was to determine the types and trends of dental
services offered over 3 months (April, May, and June) every year from 2017 till
2019 at all full-time primary oral health care facilities (POHCFs) in Gauteng
Province, South Africa. MATERIALS AND METHODS : This was a record-based
retrospective study. Data were collected from April, May, and June in 2017, 2018,
and 2019, from all full-time POHCFs in Gauteng. The data were obtained from
the attendance registers at each facility and included the number of patients and
personnel and the type and number of procedures performed. RESULTS : A total of
90 POHCFs were included. The number of clinicians remained stable, whereas
the mean number of patients per month increased from 587 (2017) to 654 (2019).
This resulted in an increase in the mean monthly patient-to-clinician ratio from
376 (2017) to 428 (2019). On average, 459 extractions, 64 restorations, and 43
fissure sealants were performed monthly per district. Clinicians treated on average
19 patients per day and on average 15 extractions for every restoration. The
mean operator-to-dental assistant ratio was 1.3:1. CONCLUSION : Although there
were differences in the types of services rendered and the workloads of clinicians
across the province, a significant increase was observed in the number of patients
over the study period. The most common services rendered were extractions and
the extraction-to-restoration ratio was fairly high. Managers need to carry out
regular audits to ensure that the facilities are operating optimally.
