The Impact of Health System Digitalization on Advancing Oral Public Health in Kosovo
Session
Dental Science
Description
Digitalization of health systems has emerged as a transformative force in improving healthcare delivery and accessibility worldwide. In the context of Kosovo, where oral public health faces challenges such as limited preventive programs, low awareness, and restricted access to specialized services, digital health solutions can play a key role in advancing both efficiency and equity of care.This study explores the impact of health system digitalization on advancing oral public health in Kosovo, with a focus on identifying opportunities, challenges, and perceptions among key stakeholders.A qualitative research design was applied, utilizing a structured questionnaire distributed to three groups of respondents: (1) dental and oral health professionals, (2) public health officials and policymakers, and (3) civil society representatives engaged in healthcare advocacy. The questionnaire included open-ended and Likert-scale questions assessing perceptions of digitalization, current gaps in oral health services, and potential improvements through e-health tools. Responses were analyzed thematically to extract key insights.Findings indicate a strong consensus among participants that digitalization— through electronic health records, tele-dentistry platforms, and public health databases—can significantly enhance oral health surveillance, patient education, and preventive care. However, barriers such as insufficient infrastructure, limited training of professionals, and lack of standardized digital policies were highlighted as critical challenges. Respondents emphasized the necessity of integrating oral health into broader national e-health strategies to ensure sustainability.Digitalization holds substantial potential to advance oral public health in Kosovo by improving service delivery, preventive strategies, and policy planning. To achieve these benefits, coordinated efforts are required to strengthen infrastructure, build professional capacities, and embed oral health priorities into the digital health agenda.
Keywords:
Digitalization, Oral Public Health, e-Health, Kosovo, Health System Transformation
Proceedings Editor
Edmond Hajrizi
ISBN
978-9951-982-41-2
Location
UBT Lipjan, Kosovo
Start Date
25-10-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
26-10-2025 6:00 PM
DOI
10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.128
Recommended Citation
Buleshkaj, Shqipe Hyseni and Rugova, Naser, "The Impact of Health System Digitalization on Advancing Oral Public Health in Kosovo" (2025). UBT International Conference. 17.
https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/conference/2025UBTIC/DS/17
The Impact of Health System Digitalization on Advancing Oral Public Health in Kosovo
UBT Lipjan, Kosovo
Digitalization of health systems has emerged as a transformative force in improving healthcare delivery and accessibility worldwide. In the context of Kosovo, where oral public health faces challenges such as limited preventive programs, low awareness, and restricted access to specialized services, digital health solutions can play a key role in advancing both efficiency and equity of care.This study explores the impact of health system digitalization on advancing oral public health in Kosovo, with a focus on identifying opportunities, challenges, and perceptions among key stakeholders.A qualitative research design was applied, utilizing a structured questionnaire distributed to three groups of respondents: (1) dental and oral health professionals, (2) public health officials and policymakers, and (3) civil society representatives engaged in healthcare advocacy. The questionnaire included open-ended and Likert-scale questions assessing perceptions of digitalization, current gaps in oral health services, and potential improvements through e-health tools. Responses were analyzed thematically to extract key insights.Findings indicate a strong consensus among participants that digitalization— through electronic health records, tele-dentistry platforms, and public health databases—can significantly enhance oral health surveillance, patient education, and preventive care. However, barriers such as insufficient infrastructure, limited training of professionals, and lack of standardized digital policies were highlighted as critical challenges. Respondents emphasized the necessity of integrating oral health into broader national e-health strategies to ensure sustainability.Digitalization holds substantial potential to advance oral public health in Kosovo by improving service delivery, preventive strategies, and policy planning. To achieve these benefits, coordinated efforts are required to strengthen infrastructure, build professional capacities, and embed oral health priorities into the digital health agenda.