Dental care is one of the lowest priorities in Indonesia’s health care program. Although public
education, guidance and training concerning preventive dentistry and regular teeth maintenance
are done through primary schools and health centers, there is still a general lack of preventive
dental care practiced in Indonesia. Regular check-ups are not common and visits to dentists are
typically prompted by pain. Many Indonesians, especially those in the rural areas, will first rely on
traditional healing methods because dental care is too expensive. Only the affluent people are
more aware of the need for regular dental check-ups. Cosmetic dental work has started to become
popular in major cities, especially among public figures and more affluent people. Indonesia has
one of the lowest ratio of dentist per population.