A study of dental treatment profile of child patients in Ratchaphiphat Hospital, Bangkok

Authors :

• Siwaporn Sukaram B.Sc., D.D.S., Grad.Dip. in Clin.Sc. (Pediatric Dentistry)

Abstract :

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dental treatment profile
in child patients and the type of dental coverage.

Materials and methods Data were collected from dental records of 1,052 child patients at the
Dental Department of Ratchaphiphat Hospital during January 1, 1999-December 31, 2003. Data were
statistically analysed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test at a significant level of p < .05.

Results The number of child patients peaked in 2002, the first year of the Universal Coverage (UC)
program. Most child patients received dental care between 4-9 years of age. Most visits were symptom-
based and dental treatment profile was more curative than preventive (p < .001), regardless of the
type of dental coverage. Filling and extraction were the most regular treatment.

Conclusion In conclusion, dental treatment profile remained markedly unchanged after the
introduction of the UC Program.

(CU Dent J. 2005;28:145-54)

Keywords :
Bangkok; child patients; dental treatment profile; Ratchaphiphat Hospital