What does "preventive care" in social dentistry focus on?

Preventive care in social dentistry is centered on services aimed at preventing disease and maintaining oral health. This concept emphasizes proactive measures that individuals and communities can take to avoid dental issues before they arise, rather than reacting to problems after they occur. Preventive care includes activities such as regular dental check-ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and patient education on proper oral hygiene practices. By focusing on prevention, social dentistry seeks to reduce the incidence of dental diseases, improve dental health outcomes, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities.

The essence of preventive care aligns with the broader goals of social dentistry, which seeks not only to address individual needs but also to promote public health initiatives that contribute to overall community wellbeing. This approach recognizes that maintaining oral health is essential for overall health and that preventive practices can lead to significant cost savings in healthcare.