Introduction
Denmark, despite its advanced healthcare system, sought to increase the efficiency and reach of its public dental care services, particularly for preventive care and remote consultations. Leveraging its world-class national health data infrastructure , the government partnered with a Dental Core Solution Company to develop a unified digital platform for全民牙科保健 (national dental healthcare).
Challenges
The system, while good, had opportunities for enhancement. Preventive care was reactive, relying on patient-initiated appointments for check-ups. Data silos existed between public dental clinics and the broader health system, missing opportunities for integrated care. There was also uneven access to specialist consultations for citizens in remote areas.
Solution: “TandFolket” (The People’s Teeth) Digital Platform
This platform was designed to integrate with Denmark’s robust digital health ecosystem.
- Unified Electronic Health Record (EHR): A specialized dental EHR was developed and integrated with the national health data network. This allowed a citizen’s dental records to be securely accessible (with consent) to their general practitioner and hospital doctors, providing a holistic health view.
- Preventive Reminder and Education System: The platform automated and personalized recall messages for check-ups. It also provided a library of digital educational content tailored to different age groups and risk profiles, pushing relevant information to citizens based on their clinical data.
- National Tele-Dentistry Gateway: The platform included a secure video consultation module that allowed general dental practitioners in remote clinics to connect with specialists in central hospitals for case discussions and second opinions, reducing the need for patient travel.
Implementation Process
The rollout was national and methodical. It began with a pilot phase in the North Denmark Region, a area with a mix of urban and rural populations. The data integration and security protocols were the primary focus, ensuring full compliance with Denmark’s strict data protection laws. After a successful pilot and necessary refinements, the platform was rolled out region by region over 18 months. A major public awareness campaign was launched to inform citizens about the new services and their data rights.
Results and Impact
The platform contributed to a rise in 全民牙科保健覆盖率 (national dental healthcare coverage) to 95%, effectively reaching nearly the entire population. The use of preventive reminders led to a 15% increase in on-time attendance for check-ups in the first year. The tele-dentistry gateway significantly reduced waiting times for specialist opinions in rural areas. Furthermore, the integrated data has begun to yield valuable public health insights, for example, by correlating oral health indicators with systemic conditions tracked in the national health registry .
Conclusion
Denmark’s innovative digital platform represents the future of public dental health: proactive, personalized, and fully integrated into the broader healthcare landscape. By leveraging its superior data infrastructure and a citizen-centered design, Denmark has created a highly efficient and equitable system that not only treats disease but actively promotes lifelong oral health for all its citizens.