Evaluation of a 4-year dental hygiene preventive program of the Les Planes health district in Sant Joan Despí (Barcelona)
Pujol, M.T.; Betlla, E.; Coma, C.; Ceña, B.; González, M.; Fernández, M.A.
Atencion Primaria 17(8): 523-526
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0212-6567 PMID: 8679892 Document Number: 456771
To evaluate the 4 years in operation of the preventive health programme for dental hygiene in children. Two epidemiological crossover and observational studies, retrospective over four years (1990-1994) in order to assess the incidence of dental caries in the target population (n = 800). Les Planes Health District, Sant Joan Despí (Barcelona). Children from 4 to 14 included in the caries prevention programme. This dental hygiene programme consisted of: school check-ups twice a year, monitoring children at risk of caries each term, education in oral hygiene, directly applied fluoride and sealing cracks at the health centre. To assess the results of the programme, the difference in the incidence of caries between both groups was assessed with the CAO-D index, i.e. the average number of teeth affected by child caries. Overall and for ages, a decrease in the incidence of caries was noted. The programme has given positive results, which should encourage other health centres in their prevention programmes.