@article {1395996,
	title = {Dental caries management at a rural district hospital in northern Rwanda: a neglected disease},
	journal = {Public Health Action},
	volume = {5},
	year = {2015},
	month = {2015 Sep 21},
	pages = {158-61},
	abstract = {SETTING: While some studies have reported the prevalence of dental caries in sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about care-seeking behavior or how dental caries are managed, particularly at rural district hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the management of patients seeking care for dental caries at Butaro District Hospital (BDH) in rural Rwanda.

DESIGN: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in BDH, in northern Rwanda. A sample of 287 patient encounters for dental caries between January and December 2013 was randomly selected and stratified by age group (⩽5 years, 6-21 years and >21 years). We estimated the treatment received with 95\% confidence intervals in each age group, and differences between age groups were assessed using Fisher{\textquoteright}s exact test.

RESULTS: Nearly all patients (97.6\%) underwent tooth extraction, and this did not vary significantly by age group (P = 0.558). In addition to dental caries, most patients also had chronic pulpitis (74.9\%).

CONCLUSION: Caries prevention and care should be prioritized through a developed community program on oral health. We recommend introducing advanced training, equipment and materials for dental caries management other than tooth extraction, and increasing the number of qualified dentists.},
	issn = {2220-8372},
	doi = {10.5588/pha.15.0022},
	author = {Mukashyaka, C and Uzabakiriho, B and Amoroso, C L and Mpunga, T and Odhiambo, J and Mukashema, P and Seymour, B A and Sindayigaya, J de D and Hedt-Gauthier, B L}
}
