Publication Date
Fall 11-16-2015
School
School of Health Sciences
Major
Biology: Biomedical Sciences
Keywords
oral disease, Africa, noma, oral health
Disciplines
Dental Public Health and Education | Oral Biology and Oral Pathology
Recommended Citation
Josefczyk, Megan E., "The State of Oral Health on the African Continent" (2015). Senior Honors Theses. 544.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/544
Abstract
The African continent has continuously suffered from poverty, poor sanitation, and malnutrition, leaving it an open feeding ground for infectious disease and premature death. Along with poor oral hygiene and an unavailability of dental clinics, oral disease is allowed to thrive and cause great harm. In the last two decades, the World Health Organization and others have tried to implement better systems of oral health care for the African people and have advocated for more well-trained dentists, dental clinics, equipment, and affordable dental care. Progress has been made in some African countries, but the continent is still in serious need of an oral health care system that will deliver quality, affordable dental care, with equal access for all people.
