Oral diseases are a significant global health concern, affecting approximately 3.69 billion people worldwide. Untreated dental caries in permanent teeth and severe periodontitis are the most prevalent conditions, with prevalence rates of 27,500 and 12,500 per 100,000 population, respectively. The Africa region has over 400 million people affected by oral health issues, with limited treatment options resulting in severe outcomes.
Millions in South Africa are grappling with oral diseases, underscoring a critical public health concern. Despite some state and private capacity for managing oral disease, it falls far short of what’s needed given the prevalence and distribution of the problem. Extreme inequality and poverty in this nation have resulted in oral healthcare access disparities, disproportionately affecting rural and impoverished communities due to apartheid’s legacy and governance shortcomings.
Limited access to affordable dental care exacerbates these disparities, particularly amongst society’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged populations, leading to severe consequences such as tooth loss, chronic pain, and nutritional deficiencies. Furthermore, poor oral health is associated with systemic conditions like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, underscoring the need for integrated healthcare approaches that address both oral and general health outcomes.
