Access to oral healthcare remains a pressing concern in underserved communities, particularly in urban slums, where socioeconomic factors and lack of resources contribute to poor oral health outcomes [1]. Despite significant advances in healthcare delivery, disparities persist, leaving vulnerable populations with limited access to preventive and therapeutic dental services [2]. Outreach dental camps are an established strategy to bridge these gaps, offering cost-effective and community-centric interventions [3-5]. 

This study aims to retrospectively analyze the effectiveness of dental camps conducted in slum areas of a metropolitan city, focusing on disease prevalence, treatment uptake, and community satisfaction.

A retrospective analysis of 20 outreach dental camps conducted between January 2018 and December 2023 was performed. Data were collected from camp records, including patient demographics, diagnoses, treatments provided, and feedback surveys.

Setting and Participants

The camps were organized in various slum areas identified by local government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Participants included residents aged 5 to 70 years who attended the camps.

Data Collection

Data were extracted from standardized camp records and included:

Screening outcomes: Prevalence of dental caries, periodontal diseases, and other conditions.

Treatment details: Number and types of procedures performed.

Satisfaction surveys: Participant-reported satisfaction on a five-point Likert scale.

Statistical Analysis

Descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings. Chi-square tests were performed to analyze differences in treatment uptake across age groups.

A total of 5,000 individuals were screened during the 20 camps, with an even gender distribution (51% female, 49% male). The majority (62%) were aged 18–45 years.

Dental caries emerged as the most prevalent condition, affecting 41% of the screened individuals. This high prevalence underscores the widespread lack of preventive care and oral hygiene practices in these communities. Periodontal disease was the second most common condition, found in 30% of participants, indicating poor oral hygiene and the possible impact of factors such as smoking, malnutrition, and systemic health conditions. Missing teeth, which affected 15% of individuals, reflect untreated dental caries and periodontal issues that progressed to tooth loss. Oral mucosal lesions, present in 6% of participants, could indicate a range of underlying issues, from nutritional deficiencies to potential pre-cancerous conditions. The "other" category, comprising 8%, included cases of malocclusion, impacted teeth, and other minor conditions, further emphasizing the need for comprehensive dental care in these underserved populations. Table 1

Table 1: Prevalence of Oral Conditions in Slum Areas

Extractions were the most commonly performed procedure, accounting for 45% of all treatments, reflecting the advanced stage of dental caries and periodontal disease among participants. Restorative fillings, constituting 30% of treatments, indicate efforts to preserve natural dentition where feasible. Periodontal scaling, performed in 20% of cases, underscores the high prevalence of gum disease and the need for interventions to improve oral hygiene. Prosthetic treatments, though less common (5%), addressed the functional and aesthetic concerns of those with missing teeth. These findings demonstrate the camps' effectiveness in meeting the immediate dental care needs of the population, with a focus on alleviating pain and preventing further complications. Table 2

Table 2: Types of Treatments Provided

The high prevalence of dental caries (41%) and periodontal diseases (30%) identified in this study highlights the urgent need for preventive oral health measures in slum areas. Dental caries, often referred to as a "silent epidemic," continues to be a major public health issue globally, especially in low-resource settings. The dietary habits in slums, which often include high sugar intake and poor oral hygiene practices, likely contribute to this high prevalence [6]. Similarly, periodontal disease is a multifactorial condition influenced by poor oral hygiene, systemic health issues, and lifestyle factors such as smoking. These findings emphasize the necessity of integrating oral health education and preventive strategies into community-based programs.

The presence of oral mucosal lesions in 6% of participants also warrants attention. While this figure appears relatively low compared to other conditions, it underscores the importance of screening for potential pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions in underserved populations, where risk factors like tobacco use and betel quid chewing are often prevalent. Early identification and referral for further evaluation and treatment are essential components of such outreach initiatives [7].

The camps demonstrated high treatment uptake, with 85% of individuals receiving at least one dental intervention. Extractions accounted for the majority of treatments (45%), reflecting the advanced stage of dental conditions in this population. While extractions provide immediate relief from pain and infection, the reliance on this intervention also underscores a gap in early diagnosis and preventive care. Restorative procedures, such as fillings (30%), and periodontal treatments (20%) suggest efforts to preserve natural dentition and manage gum health. The availability of prosthetic treatments, though limited (5%), highlights the challenges of resource constraints in camp settings [8-10].

Participant satisfaction was notably high, with 93% rating their experience as satisfactory or excellent. This indicates the acceptability of camp-based dental care among the community. Feedback from participants highlighted the importance of cost-free services, the empathetic approach of healthcare providers, and the accessibility of the camps as key factors contributing to their positive experiences [10,11].

The most significant limitation was the lack of follow-up care. Outreach dental camps typically operate on a short-term basis, addressing immediate needs but failing to provide continuity of care. For conditions like periodontal disease and tooth loss, long-term management and follow-up are crucial to achieving sustained improvements in oral health [5]. Resource constraints also limited the range of treatments offered during the camps. Advanced procedures, such as root canal treatments and prosthetic rehabilitation, were not always feasible due to time and equipment limitations. [8,11].

Outreach dental camps in slum areas of metropolitan cities play a pivotal role in addressing the unmet oral health needs of underserved populations. The high treatment uptake and participant satisfaction observed in this study underscore the effectiveness of these interventions in providing accessible and affordable dental care. However, to achieve sustainable improvements in oral health outcomes, these programs must be complemented by follow-up care, preventive education, and integration with local healthcare services. Expanding resources and fostering community engagement are essential steps toward reducing oral health disparities and improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations.

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