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Mozambique Dentistry personnel 

Dentistry Personnel in Mozambique

1. Current Status

As of recent data, Mozambique has a significant shortage of dental care professionals. The ratio of dentistry personnel (which includes dentists, dental assistants, and dental technicians) per 10,000 population is extremely low. Although specific numbers might vary slightly depending on the source, it is generally well below the WHO's recommended levels.

2. Comparative Figures

  • Global Comparison: According to the WHO's guidelines, a reasonable ratio of dentists to population in high-income countries is around 6-8 per 10,000 people. In contrast, many low-income countries, including Mozambique, often struggle to reach even 1 dentist per 10,000 people.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa: Many countries in the region face similar challenges. Mozambique's figures are comparable with those of other low-income nations in Sub-Saharan Africa, which commonly range from 0.1 to 0.5 dentists per 10,000 population.


3. Educational and Training Challenges

  • Limited Training Institutions: Mozambique has few institutions that offer dental training programs. Consequently, the output of newly trained dental personnel is low.
  • Brain Drain: There is also a notable issue with "brain drain"—many trained dental professionals seek better opportunities abroad due to low wages and inadequate working conditions locally.


4. Healthcare Infrastructure

  • Urban vs. Rural Access: Dental services are predominantly available in urban areas. Rural regions, which constitute a large portion of Mozambique's geography, often have little to no access to dental care.
  • Facilities and Equipment: Even where there are dental professionals, the lack of modern facilities and equipment hampers their ability to provide comprehensive dental care.


5. Health Outcomes

  • Oral Health Issues: Due to the deficiency in dental personnel and facilities, Mozambique has high rates of untreated dental caries (tooth decay), gum diseases, and other oral health issues.
  • Preventive Care: Lack of access also impacts preventive dental care, leading to poorer overall oral health outcomes.


6. Government and NGO Initiatives

  • Government Efforts: The Mozambique government has been working to improve healthcare access, including dental care, via various health policies and programs. However, progress is slow due to limited resources.
  • Role of NGOs: Non-Governmental Organizations play a vital role in supplementing government efforts. They often provide essential dental care services, conduct health camps, and train local healthcare workers.

in summary:  

The low number of dentistry personnel per 10,000 population in Mozambique highlights a significant gap in the health system. Addressing this issue requires concerted efforts from the government, international aid organizations, NGOs, and the community. Investments in education, infrastructure, and incentivizing dental professionals to serve in Mozambique are crucial steps toward improving oral health outcomes in the country.

Chart: Dentistry personnel per 10,000 population in Mozambique

Chart for comparison:

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