The Dental health care industry in India is going through a transformation on account of the rising health-care quality demand. At present, approximately 50% of Indians has never ever visited a dentist and approximately 70% percent suffers from dental diseases. The dentist to population ratio in India is abysmal; in urban areas, it is 1: 10000 and in rural areas, it is 1: 250,000.

With increasing income and awareness, the dental-care market in India is gaining importance at a very fast rate. There is an increased demand for cosmetic dentistry like tooth reshaping, whitening, etc.

In spite of increased awareness, nonetheless over 50% of Indians are ignorant of remedies for dental problems. Lack of specific dental insurance is a big challenge that stalks this industry. Thus, there is a need for a comprehensive dental insurance plan.

There are only few dental insurance plans available in India. However the Indian Dental Association (IDA) is in the process of bringing out a comprehensive dental insurance scheme soon

Dental care is always considered as an expensive affair. More often this belief is what keeps people out of a dental office, till they end up some need for emergency treatment. Dental insurance is a never heard of in India till date, although it is present in varying proportions in the western countries

The medical fraternity too has realized the importance of oral health :

• Untreated oral problems can lead to mouth cancer, low immune system, heart problems, daily fatigue and mood swings

• American Diabetes Association puts it; you have more bacteria in your mouth than the earth has people.

• According to International Diabetes Federation In 2007, India with 40.9 million people has the largest numbers of people with diabetes. Almost one-third of individuals with diabetes have severe gum disease which leads to 3x faster progression of Pyorrhea and Poor Blood Sugar control

• Gum disease increase risk for preterm birth and low birth rate babies by as much as 18%. Women with gum disease are 3-5 times greater risk of a preterm birth. These births account for 60% of babies who die in infancy.

Hence an increase in oral health awareness and introduction of reliable sources of dental insurance policies in india can create tremendous encouragement amongst the people to visit their dentists frequently and take good care of their oral health.

DR ABHITOSH DEBATA