Dental Programmes for Children and Young Adults in Denmark in a Social Perspective

Abstract

This report describes the development in dental health in the children and young adult population in Denmark. Based on national as well as selected survey epidemiological data, the improvement in the dental caries situation is illustrated. Over a decade a reduction of about 50% in dental caries prevalence has been registered in children. In young adults caries prevalence has been reduced and participation in regular dental care has increased significantly. The effects of the organized dental programmes on different social groups are illustrated pointing to modifications in the social inequities in the dental services. Longitudinal studies will be needed to prove positive long term effects on adult dental health, which is considered to be the ultimate goal of the programmes.

Key Words:

• social dentistry
• preventive dentistry
• child dental health
• youth dental health
• socioeconomic groups
• Denmark