Evaluation of an Oral Health Care System preparedness for transferring to the Provincial Administrative Organization in Rongkwang District, Phrae Province

Abstract

This Mixed Method research evaluated the oral health care system for supporting decentralization to the Provincial Administrative Authority, Rongkwang District, Phrae Province. The samples comprised 21 dental health personnel and 150 clients between July and October 2024. The research instruments include an Oral Health Care System, a case record form, and a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive statistics. After the system completion, dental service utilization among all age groups in 2024 was 41.3 percent. This trend is particularly among school-aged and the general population. In terms of service systems, services are provided across all areas, with dentists, dental assistants, and the core team from the hospital offering services at Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital while advancing academic development. Regarding personnel, a dentist supervises the dental practice of a Dental Assistant. In terms of dental information systems, a responsible person oversees dental data to ensure its accuracy and connectivity across various programs. Regarding medical technology, Rongkwang Hospital supports dental supplies and helps define the specifications for dental equipment. In terms of dental expenses, Rongkwang District Health Coordinating Committee and local administrative organizations provide budget support for oral health promotion projects, while the Provincial Administrative Organization supports the budget for the maintenance of dental equipment. Regarding leadership and governance, the change in the supervisory authority of a Dental Assistant has required the agency to adapt to new processes and command structures of the Provincial Administrative Organization, which will aid in coordination efforts. Service providers had a moderate overall satisfaction with the oral health care system. Patients showed high satisfaction levels with the dental healthcare service. In conclusion, preparing dental public health for transfer to the provincial administrative organization was found to ensure continuous and comprehensive dental public health services for people in the Rongkwang District area