Demand for dental care in Sri Lanka.

The demand for dental care was assessed among 3000 dental patients visiting an out-patient clinic in Sri Lanka. 46% of the patients sought treatment for complaints related to advanced stages of dental caries whilst 18% requested treatment for early stages of decay. 20% had complaints related to periodontal disease of which two-thirds had advanced symptoms of mobility. The majority of the demands reflect a need for emergency care such as exodontia and dressings for cavities, which is currently being carried out by dentists but could easily be done by auxiliaries at low cost.