o Public Health Practice:

- Public health dentistry: It’s a discipline that considers the total community as the
patient. Thus, it’s concerned with the oral health of all members of the society.
 Example: Fluoridation programs. When successfully implemented in a
community, all will gain the protective benefit against dental caries.

o Similarities Between Private & Public Health Practice:

Private Practice Public Health Practice
Examination Survey
Diagnosis Analysis
Treatment Planning Program Planning
Treatment Program Operation
Payment for Services Financing
Evaluation Appraisal

o Private Practice: Careful examination & history  Accurate diagnosis of problem 

Treatment is planned to address the problem (cost of treatment/approved) 
Service is provided and paid  Subsequent visits provide evaluation of treatment
o Public Health Practice:
- Methods employed in dental public health practice parallel those of the private
practitioner, but involve the total community instead of the individual.

A- Survey: Nature and extent of a dental problem must be determined.

 Example: The level of dental caries in a subgroup of children in a community may
be considered for study.
- The magnitude of the problem is assessed by screening examinations of the children
in target population. We are measuring and quantifying the condition based on
scientific principles (Dental Indices).

B- Analysis: Once the information is collected through a survey  analysis of data to

answer certain questions.
1- What is the extent of the problem?
2- Are there appropriate solutions available to solve the problem?
 statistical analysis transform information into a useful form.

C- Program planning: Survey  Analysis process  Problem is identified and its scope
is determined
- To assure success, all aspects should be considered.
- Communication is made with concerned individuals and organizations.
 Example: To provide dental care for children, we must:
- Contact the parents of children
- Arrange transportation to where care will be provided
- Obtain agreements from practitioners to provide care for children.

D- Program Operation: Once carefully planned  Program is implemented

- Even in a well-planned program, problems tend to occur and continuous surveillance
is necessary.
  Examples are: Dental health education, disease prevention, or clinical services.
E- Financing: It’s usually provided by appropriate governmental agencies.

F- Appraisal: It’s the continuous evaluation to:

- Assess the effect of the program
- Measure the success/lack of the program
- Consider modifications that might improve the program.