[The changing trends of demography and oral diseases for Chinese dentistry].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the changed trends of population, oral diseases and their effects on Chinese dentistry.


METHODS
The demographic and epidemiologic data published in recent books and journals were reviewed and analyzed.


RESULTS
As the 21st century approached, dentistry in China would face many changing trends and challenges. 1. a growing population and an aging population: The two sub-populations with the greatest need for prevention and treatment were children and old patients who were outpacing the supply of dental manpower. 2. The changed dental disease patterns: The prevalence of caries was increasing and more than two thirds of Chinese suffered from periodontal disease. The traditional dental approaches have not been able to satisfy the needs of Chinese.


CONCLUSIONS
The challenge created by these demographic, economic and advances in dental technology is changing Chinese dentistry.
Hu
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College of Stomatology, West China University of Medical Sciences.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003710:Demography; D003729:Dental Care / Q000639:trends*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003752:Dental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003815:Dentists / Q000600:supply & distribution; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009909:Oral Health; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000592:standards; D011787:Quality of Health Care