Bridging the Gap: Oral Health-care Delivery Plan in Tribal Belt of Western India

Abstract Background: India has launched many initiatives to achieve Universal Health Coverage, despite there exist gaps in oral health-care need and service delivery. Especially in tribal areas, due to the prevalence of risk factors as well as the lack of accessibility and affordability for health-care services, oral diseases remain unidentified and untreated. Therefore, the present study aims to assess the needs and design an implementation plan for sustainable and culturally acceptable oral health-care delivery in one of the tribal blocks of Mokhada in the state of Maharashtra, Western India. Methodology: The study included participants above 18 years of age and adopted a co-design approach. Data collection methods consisted of a short-form survey and focused group discussion. Convenient and purposive sampling methods were used to select participants for quantitative and qualitative data collection, respectively. Quantitative data analysis was performed using the STATA 16 tool, whereas thematic analysis was performed for the qualitative data. Need assessment led to the design of implementation by engaging multiple stakeholders. Results: A total of 2008 adults participated in the survey with a mean age being 37.7 years. 52.4% of participants were male. Out of 2008 screened, 83.2% were found to have at least one oral disease and a high prevalence of tobacco consumption (42%). Barriers of oral healthcare-seeking behaviour were addressed in the proposed model of care. Accordingly, a twice-a-week functional comprehensive oral care health-care model was integrated into the already existing health center of a community led development organization and portable mobile dental unit were planned with the support of multiple stakeholders. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the feasibility of delivering oral healthcare through integration into primary healthcare and multiple stakeholder engagement.