Abstract
This paper outlines the system for providing oral health care in the Republic of Moldova. It explains how, since 2006, the state (national) health insurance scheme has funded some oral health care for children and adolescents under the age of 18 years and some priority groups. However, most oral health care is paid for privately. It then describes the Moldovan dental workforce, which in 2008 consisted of 1535 dentists (dental doctors/stomatologists), 795 dental technicians, and 526 chair-side assistants. Details follow of dental education for dentists (dental doctors/stomatologists), at undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing levels, and for dental technicians. Data are presented from the three national epidemiological studies that have been performed into dental caries in 12- and 15-year-old children. The paper concludes with data on the costs of health care and oral health care in Moldova.
