Full Form of DHP

What is DHP?

A Dental Health Practitioner (DHP) is a trained healthcare professional who provides primary oral care services, including dental examinations, preventive treatments, and basic restorative procedures. In India, DHPs are typically deployed at primary health centres (PHCs) and community health centres (CHCs) under the National Oral Health Programme and Ayushman Bharat scheme to address the shortage of dental specialists in rural areas. They perform scaling, fluoride application, oral hygiene education, and referral of complex cases to district hospitals. The role is recognized by the Dental Council of India and state health departments, and it is often filled by graduates with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or those who have completed a specialized Diploma in Dental Hygiene. DHPs are crucial for bridging the urban-rural dental care gap, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. For competitive exams such as UPSC, state health service exams, and dental board assessments, questions on the responsibilities and qualifications of DHPs are common. The DHP cadre is also part of the larger public health workforce that includes ASHAs, ANMs, and pharmacy practitioners, making it a key topic in Indian healthcare governance and policy discussions.

DHP का फुल फॉर्म

Example

The DHP at the PHC in rural Rajasthan organized a school dental screening camp, identifying cavities in over 40% of the children.

DHP — frequently asked questions

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