Despite socioeconomic improvements, oral health issues in Vietnam continue to afflict lower-income communities and younger populations. Limited access to preventive resources, coupled with increasing sugar and tobacco use, has resulted in high rates of oral diseases, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The absence of national guidelines or preventive policies exacerbates the situation.
In response, the Vietnamese government is launching the National Oral Health Survey of Vietnam (NOHSV) 2024–25, developed with the Population Oral Health Unit at the University of Queensland (POHUQ) and supported by The Borrow Foundation. This initiative aims to establish a national oral health database to inform evidence-based policies aligned with WHO’s Global Oral Health Action Plan 2030.
Project Goals
The NOHSV seeks to empower policymakers by providing comprehensive, data-driven insights. Key objectives include:
- Mapping the national oral health landscape through epidemiological studies.
- Tracking changes in disease prevalence and oral health behaviours since the last survey in 1999–2000.
- Developing a fluoride map for Vietnam to support targeted fluoride guidelines.
- Laying the groundwork for preventive policies, including national fluoride use guidelines and public health messaging.
Approach
POHUQ will implement a multi-stage, representative sampling strategy across diverse urban and rural areas. The survey will consist of:
- Clinical examinations by trained dental teams, with real-time data entry on indicators such as tooth decay.
- Social surveys to gather lifestyle information affecting oral health.
- Water fluoride analysis to establish a baseline for potential fluoridation policies.
Targeting over 10,000 participants, the survey will generate a comprehensive dataset to shape future health policies.
Outcomes and Impact
The NOHSV data will inform Vietnam’s first evidence-based oral health guidelines, enabling policies that optimise fluoride delivery and encourage early dental care. The initiative aims to prevent the intergenerational transmission of oral health issues, setting a new standard for future generations.
The Borrow Foundation’s support is critical to the survey’s success, funding research design and policy guidance. With the NOHSV, Vietnam aims to become a leader in oral health policy in Southeast Asia, showcasing the power of international collaboration in public health.
 Professor Loc Do, Research Chair & Professor in Dental Public Health, Population Oral Health Unit, School of Dentistry, University of Queensland |  Dr Diep Ha, Senior Research Fellow, Population Oral Health Unit, School of Dentistry, University of Queensland |
 Dr Michael Foley, Hon. Senior Research Fellow, School of Dentistry, University of Queensland |  Dr Lydia See, Research Fellow, |