Recent data on dental health care in Norway reveals positive trends, highlighting the efforts made to improve dental hygiene across the country. The statistics, updated as of 2022, provide valuable insights into the dental health status of different age groups and the overall performance of dental services.
One key finding is the share of 18-year-olds with no caries, which stood at 32.3% in 2022. This represents a 1.3% increase compared to the previous year, indicating a positive shift towards improved dental health among young adults. Furthermore, among 12-year-olds, 61.3% experienced no caries, although this figure decreased by 2.5% compared to the previous year. These results indicate the importance of continued efforts to promote preventive measures and education regarding oral hygiene.
The dental health care workforce also experienced growth, with settled dentist man-years increasing by 1.5% to reach 4,403.2. Settled dental hygienist man-years saw an even greater rise of 3.6%, totaling 1,110.2. The availability of dental specialists also improved, with a 1.5% increase to reach 576.4. These figures indicate a commitment to strengthening the dental workforce and ensuring access to specialized care.
In terms of activity, the number of prioritized persons examined and treated increased slightly by 0.3%, totaling 797,729. However, there was a slight decrease of 0.9% in the number of children and youth aged 3-18 years who received dental care, with a total of 657,855. On the other hand, elderly individuals receiving home nursing and long-term care saw an increase in examination and treatment, with a rise of 1.9% (30,047) and 6.6% (29,159) respectively. Paying adult clients, however, experienced a decrease of 7.3%, with 147,403 individuals receiving dental care. These figures highlight the need for targeted efforts to ensure access to dental services, especially among vulnerable and underserved populations.
In terms of expenditures, the gross operating expenditures for dental health care reached NOK 3,949,832 (1,000) in 2022, representing a 4.2% increase compared to the previous year. This includes gross operating expenditures for patient treatments, which amounted to NOK 2,998,424 (1,000), indicating a commitment to providing quality care. The investments in joint functions, such as education and outreach programs, also increased by 4.6% to reach NOK 951,408 (1,000).
These recent statistics showcase the progress made in dental health care in Norway. The increase in the percentage of 18-year-olds with no caries and the growth in the dental workforce reflect the ongoing efforts to prioritize oral health. However, the slight decrease in caries-free 12-year-olds and the decline in paying adult clients underscore the importance of continued focus on prevention and access to dental services for all age groups. The increased expenditures in dental health care demonstrate the commitment of Norway to provide comprehensive and effective dental services for its population.