Analysis of dental care in Antarctic crews: Dental problems, case studies and treatments

Abstract

Dental issues are relatively common in Antarctic stations both during short-term and long-term expeditions. In overwintering crews, dental problems may reach 10-15% of overall medical cases. In the expeditions working only during the austral summer season, the proportion of dental problems is lower, typically not exceeding 5%. In our study, facilities available recently for dental care in Antarctica, considering seasonal – and year-round operated stations, are overviewed. Several case studies are reported in order to show the treatment of the most frequent dental problems that happen in Antarctica in short-term (seasonal) and long-term (overwintering) expeditions. Our study brings an analysis of dental cases reported by Czech Antarctic Program within 15 years (2008-2015) and the Brazilian Antarctic Program (2018-2023). New trends in dental care in Antarctica are discussed including telemedicine and integrated systems.