An assessment of Western Cape metro public dental clinics’ compliance with the primary healthcare package for South Africa : a set of norms and standards

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study explores the compliance of public dental clinics in the Western Cape Metro (WCM), South Africa with the Primary Healthcare Package for South Africa AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : The study evaluates the availability of prescribed dental consumables, instruments and equipment in primary oral health clinics. Additionally, it seeks to determine the number of clinics providing the basic package of oral health services. DESIGN : A cross-sectional study METHODS : This study conducted an audit of 28 public dental clinics in the Western Cape metro. Full-time clinic staff were surveyed using a questionnaire. Equipment and materials were assessed using a checklist. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 28, summarising quantitative variables with proportions, frequencies, means and standard deviations RESULTS : A total of 15 clinics responded out of the 28 invited with a response rate of 53.6%. Only two clinics offered all services in the basic package of care. Eleven clinics had 80% or more of the required equipment. Ten clinics had 80% or more of the required instruments used to treat pain and sepsis. All the clinics had at least 80% of the required consumables CONCLUSION : None of the clinics was compliant with national norms and standards.