Implementation of CDC

While CDC can help to fulfill unmet needs of the rural / under-served communities, it is critical to consider that it may be necessary to advertise and promote the available services. For example, a mobile dental van to advertise its services on the radio and on the side of the van itself.

Priority population:
It is essential to identify and understand the priority population before implementing a CDC. If we aim to serve schoolchildren, a different set of strategies will be needed. With an understanding of the priority population, it is needed to know their oral health needs first hand, before implementing the strategies.

Partnerships:
Successful CDC will need strong collaborations with the community, such as local health clinics and local panchayats or organizations. They can form a link between the CDC and the population. They help the CDC to comprehend the rural structure in terms of their health needs and also help the population by creating awareness about the CDC, eliminating their fear of the unknown.

Sustainability:
It is mandatory to plan for short and long-term sustainability of CDC. Sustainability planning may include identifying funding resources for the future.

Evaluation:
Evaluation presents an opportunity to assess CDC’s results and identify ways to improve performance to deliver maximum outcomes.

Flexibility:
It is more challenging to access oral healthcare in a rural community. People may need to travel multiple hours to see a dentist. In order to break down access barriers, it is important for oral health programs to offer some flexibility, in the event that an individual is late or misses an appointment.

Commitment:
When developing direct rural oral health service, it is important to work CDC staff that is committed to work in an underserved area. CDC staff must be pledged to serve the society in adverse living conditions.

Training:
Rural programs often need to train staff about poverty and other similar issues, with the belief that an understanding of these issues will improve their relationships with the populations they serve.

Language:
CDCs will have to deal with communities having a different dialect or language. There is a need to ensure that their staff understands the importance of providing services or public health education in a culturally appropriate manner.

Culture:
Rural oral health delivery may face cultural challenges related to stigma. Individuals may not want to go to a dental clinic for superstitious reasons. CDC must identify these social norms and advocate the benefits of preventative oral health care, thereby eliminating the unscientific prejudice.

Anganwadi branches:

Children in the age group of 2-3 years mostly have a complete primary dentition. During their growing years, they are in the best position to benefit from 6 monthly fluoride varnish applications. The community health workers can motivate the parents to bring the children to Community Dental Centers for fluoride varnish application. The fluoride varnish applications can be carried out in these settings or a mobile dental van by engaging the interns of nearby dental schools.