[Evaluation of a 4-year dental hygiene preventive program of the Les Planes health district in Sant Joan Despí (Barcelona)].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the 4 years in operation of the preventive health programme for dental hygiene in children.


METHODS
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).


METHODS
Les Planes Health District, Sant Joan Despí (Barcelona).


METHODS
Children from 4 to 14 included in the caries prevention programme.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
The programme has given positive results, which should encourage other health centres in their prevention programmes.
Pujol
M T
MT
ABS Les Planes, Sant Joan Despi, Barcelona.
Betlla
E
E
Coma
C
C
Ceña
B
B
González
M
M
Fernández
M A
MA
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D011313:Preventive Dentistry; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology
Evaluación a los 4 años del programa preventivo de salud bucodental del Area Básica de Les Planes en Sant Joan Despí (Barcelona).