Compliance in dentistry and its evaluation

Introduction. Adherence (compliance) to individual dental and oral hygiene measures, as well as clarity in the fulfillment of medical appointments, plays a major role in preserving the dental health of children, adolescents, and adults. However, currently there are no methods that allow an objective and comprehensive assessment of compliance in patients undergoing dental treatment in medical organizations. The purpose of the work is to develop a methodology for comprehensive assessment of compliance when providing dental care to patients and to present the results of its approbation in clinical practice. Materials and methods. The methodology of compliance assessment was developed by analyzing the dental health of 35 young people who were under dynamic observation in dental medical organizations and underwent treatment due to pathology of hard tissues of teeth, periodontium or orthodontic treatment, as well as by studying the primary medical documentation. Results. The methodology of assessment of adherence to dental treatment and dental and oral cavity care on the basis of taking into account the indicators of individual oral hygiene, characteristic of acid resistance of tooth enamel, assessment of periodontal tissues and temporomandibular joint, as well as taking into account the patient’s discipline when making repeated visits to the dentist. Clinical examples of using the proposed method of compliance assessment in dentistry are given. Conclusion. Approbation of the proposed methodology has shown its effectiveness. The author believes that the use of this technique can be useful in the internal quality control of dental care in a medical organization and in the production of commission forensic examinations.