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

Charalambous, Charalambous, Theodorou, Mamas, Eaton, Kenneth Anthony (2020) The System of The Provision of Oral Healthcare in the Republic of Cyprus and the Effect of the Economic Crisis. Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry, 18 (2). pp. 213-219. ISSN 1602-1622. (doi:10.3290/j.ohpd.a43002) (KAR id:81730)

Abstract

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.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.3290/j.ohpd.a43002
Uncontrolled keywords: Cyprus, economic crisis, oral health
Subjects: R Medicine
Divisions: Divisions > Directorate of Education > School of Education
Depositing User: Kenneth Eaton
Date Deposited: 16 Jun 2020 14:25 UTC
Last Modified: 29 Sep 2021 15:00 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/81730 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Eaton, Kenneth Anthony.

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