CHALLENGES AND MEDICAL-SOCIAL RATIONALE FOR DENTAL CARE IN THE CONTEXT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATIONS IN UKRAINE

Abstract

Introduction. The article analyzes problematic aspects of the organization of dental care for the population of Ukraine in the context of socio-economic transformations. Medical and social approaches to improving the accessibility and effectiveness of dental care are substantiated, taking into account the current challenges facing the healthcare system.

Aim. The aim of the study is to substantiate the medical and social aspects of the organization of dental care in Ukraine in the context of socio-economic transformations, identify systemic gaps in financing mechanisms and access to services within the framework of the Medical Guarantees Program, and determine strategic directions for optimizing the sector through the integration of dental prevention into the primary health care system.

Materials and methods. To achieve the stated aim, a comprehensive approach was applied using the following methods: bibliographic-semantic and analytical methods, system analysis, and comparative analysis.

Results. Dental care in Ukraine operates under a mixed model with limited public coverage, which, for adults, is largely limited to emergency interventions, while children and eligible groups are provided with a broader range of services. Insufficient funding, regional inequalities in access, and fragmentation of the system were identified. The integration of dentistry into primary health care remains limited, and the preventive role of family physicians is only partially implemented, reducing the effectiveness of early detection and population-level prevention.

Conclusions. The role of family physicians in the provision of dental care remains only partially implemented due to insufficient training, a lack of integrated clinical protocols, limited financial incentives for preventive activities, and fragmentation of the healthcare system. Improving the effectiveness of dental care requires expanding NHSU service packages, integrating dental prevention into primary health care, enhancing the training of family physicians, and implementing interdisciplinary collaboration.