Introduction to

Preventive Dental Health

By: Weam Banjar; BDS., MS

Riyadh Colleges for Dentistry and Pharmacy

Definition of Preventive Dentistry:

A philosophy and method of dental practice

that seek to prevent the initiation,

progression, and recurrence of dental

diseases and conditions

Why Preventive Dental Health:

• Identify key oral/ dental health threats

• Reduce economic burden of oral/ dental

health conditions

• Health promotion

• Design targeted awareness campaign

Challenges for Preventive Dental Health in

Saudi Arabia:

• Awareness and appreciation (policy

makers, dental professionals, public)

• Resource availability, allocation, and

security

• Fund availability, allocation, and security

• Human capital

Preventive Dental Health- a Luxury or a

necessity:

• Dental/ oral diseases and conditions are

preventable

• Early detection, early intervention

• Economic burden (individual and national

levels)

• Dental/ oral and systemic health

interaction (bidirectional)

Q and A

Thank You