The System of The Provision of Oral Healthcare in the Republic of Cyprus and the Effect of the Economic Crisis

Purpose: To investigate recent developments in the provision of oral healthcare in Cyprus and the population's oral health, with special reference to the impact of the recent economic crisis. Research design: cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: Data from oral health surveys in Cyprus over the last 30 years were reviewed and analysed together with policy documents. Information regarding oral health behaviour, dental visits and the consequences of the economic crisis on the latter was also obtained with the help of self-completed questionnaires by patients and dentists.

Results: Although the overall level of oral health in Cyprus can be considered satisfactory, there were statistically significant variations between districts and different socioeconomic and ethnic groups. Beyond these variations, it seemed that the three-year economic crisis (2013–2016) had negatively affected the behaviour of the population in seeking dental care, reducing the frequency of visits to the dentist, and avoiding costly dental work, especially among those from the lower socioeconomic strata. This change in citizens' behaviour led to a statistically significant decrease in dentists' income in the private sector. Conclusions: The economic crisis brought about new difficulties and challenges for both the public and the private sectors of oral healthcare, and into the implementation of a new National Health System.