During which phase should a target population's needs be determined?

During which phase should a target population's needs be determined?

• A. Assessment
• B. Planning
• C. Implementation
• D. Evaluation

Answer: (A)

Determining what a target population needs is done during the assessment phase. Assessment involves gathering data on the population’s oral health status, gaps, and priorities—through surveys, interviews, records, and observations—to understand what is lacking or may improve outcomes. This clear picture of needs then guides planning, where specific goals, strategies, and resources are outlined. Implementation carries out the plan, and evaluation checks results to see if needs were met and to inform adjustments. So, identifying needs first, in assessment, is the essential starting point.

Determining what a target population needs is done during the assessment phase. Assessment involves gathering data on the population’s oral health status, gaps, and priorities—through surveys, interviews, records, and observations—to understand what is lacking or may improve outcomes. This clear picture of needs then guides planning, where specific goals, strategies, and resources are outlined. Implementation carries out the plan, and evaluation checks results to see if needs were met and to inform adjustments. So, identifying needs first, in assessment, is the essential starting point.