[Oral health of 18-year-old adolescents in Hungary]

It is strongly suggested by WHO to undertake a regular epidemiological survey in 5-year intervals to monitor changes in oral health. In Hungary national epidemiological examinations were carried out in 1985, 1991 and 1996 according to the WHO basic criteria, using the pathfinder methodology in children and adults. But nationwide oral data among 18-year-olds were never collected before 1998. The aim of the present paper is to give up-to-date information on the oral disease status and treatment needs in adolescents based on the recent pathfinder survey. A total of 710 persons were examined at 16 sample sites. The basic findings were: The prevalence of caries free adolescents was 6.1%. The mean DMFT score was 7.64. 66.5% of the examined probands had no tooth loss. The parodontal condition was poor. 84.7% of the sample had gingivitis and needed oral hygiene instruction and 61.7% of them had dental calculus as well.

Our "health for all" efforts were not effective enough, therefore further considerable activities and financial support will be needed to achieve the appropriate goals.