La figura professionale dell’igienista dentale nell’ambito della sanità pubblica

Objectives

The project aims to analyze the feasibility of an oral hygiene service provided by a graduated dental hygienist in a public medical facility, oriented towards primary and secondary oral prevention services of social utility, as an alternative to what it is offered by the private sector.

Methods

In order to carry out this project, all necessary data and requirements have been identified with reference to the current regulation, the public health services resources and the expectations of the final user. The organization of the oral hygiene service has been analyzed with particular attention to the type of service, the operative methods, the responsibilities and competences. The resources through which oral hygiene services are efficiently and effectively provided have also been analyzed.

Results

The author presents data related to cost analysis, price of each service provided to the patient and to the assigned resources in relation to services provided in a public medical facility by graduated dental hygienists.

Conclusions

Although the insertion of dental hygienists represents a cost for the medical facility, through the calculation made to evaluate the different modalities to offer a private service or a reduced charge, it is possible to regulate the relationship between the dental hygienist and the medical facility with benefits for both and patients. The author therefore underlines the suitability and feasibility of the project.