25 años del PADI en el País Vasco (1990-2014)

Abstract

Background: Child Dental Care Program (PADI) of Basque Country has completed its first 25 years. Its development generates information necessary for the management and use in epidemiological surveillance and health planning. The present work gathers the information for study and implementation of strategies to improve the system. Methods: reports of management of the Osakidetza Community Dental Service, and the epidemiological studies of Department of Health provide information on the planning, development and consolidation of PADI, its use, dispensed assistance costs and health outcomes and equity during the period 1990-2014. This information is structured and analyzes by SWOT methodology with quantitative and qualitative approaches. Results: in 25 years, PADI has made 2,116,308 dental checkups, 1,016,749 fissure sealants and 501,580 fillings in permanent dentition. The accumulated cost in 25 years amounts to 105 million euros. The CAOD=0.52 and 74 % caries-free at age 12 indicate that children's dental health in the Basque Country is now comparable to that of the advanced countries. Conclusion: PADI has introduced reforms in dental assistance to orienting prevention and health promotion. The epidemiological improvement achieved allows new actions and objectives that Health Plan 2013-2020 of the Basque Government determines for years to come.