Oral health in Libya: addressing the future challenges

Libyan J Med. 2014 Mar 24;9(1):23564. doi: 10.3402/ljm.v9.23564. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Libya is a vast country situated in North Africa, having a relatively better functioning economy with a scanty population. This article is the first known attempt to review the current state of oral health care in Libya and to explore the present trends and future challenges. Libyan health system, oral health care, and human resources with the present status of dental education are reviewed comprehensively. A bibliographic study of oral health research and publications has been carried out. The results point toward a common indicator that oral health-related research is low. Strategies have to be developed to educate the medical and dental professionals, to update the current curriculum and enable the system to be competent in all aspects of oral health care management.

Keywords: Libya; dental education; dental research; oral health; oral health care; oral health research.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Services Needs and Demand / trends
  • Humans
  • Libya / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Oral Health / statistics & numerical data*
  • Periodontal Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Policy Making
  • Prevalence