title: Longitudinal evaluation of a preventive program provided by general dental practitioners to young adult Danes.
abstract: In 1976, a preventive program was established for young adults under the general feasibility of public economic support for preventive dentistry was studied longitudinally during the years 1976-80. Out of approximately 140,000 evaluation cards sent out, 42,000 were returned from general dental practitioners concerning 20,000 individuals, 12,000 of whom were reported twice or more. Information was collected on use of preventive service and health status based on Visible Plaque Index (VPI) and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI). About one-fifth of the study population received the preventive service, consisting of chairside dental education and oral hygiene instruction. Associations between provision of prevention and VPI/GBI scores were found. From first to last dental visit in the evaluation period improvement in VPI and GBI scores was registered, proportionally more in the group that received service. Internal and external validity of the results and policy implications of the study are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003718:Denmark; D003729:Dental Care / Q000191:economics; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000517:prevention & control; D006267:Health Education, Dental; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D014076:Tooth Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*