Oral health status, supply of oral and dental care among Senegalese children: a review of available data

Introduction: Oral and dental diseases are a major public health problem due to their high prevalence and their impact on general health. Objective: This article reviews the oral health status and oral health care supply and uptake in children. Method: The available literature were reviewed. The Medline and Embase databases, and the Senegal Ministry of Health and Social Action and National Agency of Statistics and Demography (ANSD) websites were consulted. A total of 7 articles, 3 PhD theses and 8 reports were selected for analysis. The review was supplemented by interviews. Results: Overall, children have poor oral health status. Health care supply is insufficient (1 dentist/38,000 residents) and poorly distributed (mostly in the capital) with unequal oral health care uptake. Conclusion: This systematic review of the literature revealed a lack of reliable data on the oral health of children. It also concluded on a generally poor oral health status.