Proposal for pediatric dental care of vulnerable communities in rural areas of Venezuela

Abstract

Introduction Venezuelan humanitarian crisis prevents a large percentage of the population from having access to dental care services, which is reflected in the high prevalence of caries in the pediatric population. Community service days can generate tangible improvements in the  life of children by achieving caries prevention and detection through topical applications of silver diamine fluoride and fluoride varnish. Objective To describe the pediatric dental care program implemented by "Proyecto Mayú" in 11 vulnerable communities in rural areas of Venezuela. Materials and methods a systematic care protocol was  implemented consisting of the signing of the informed consent by the representative, registration of patient data through Epicollect5, oral health education, preventive treatments, application of silver diamine fluoride in caries lesions, fluoride varnish or fluoride gel, emergency treatments and delivery of dental control cards to the representatives to follow up the treatments carried out. Results this program has been implemented in 11 Venezuelan communities with a total of 1125 pediatric  dental consultations registered. Conclusion the program is feasible, easy to implement and low cost.