[Four years experience with a periodontal health education program for 12-15-year old Dutch schoolchildren]

A dental health education program on periodontal disease for 12-15-years-old schoolchildren during a period of four years (1986-1989) was organised. A course package was developed for secondary schools, whereby an evaluation of the course material was carried out both quantitatively and qualitatively. The amount of material requested by the schools exceeded the expectations. The content of the material appeared to be adequate for both the pupils as well as teachers. The education strategy was successful in reaching the target group. The school appears to be an excellent place for this type of dental education program. For the future it may be advisable to focus more on a target group with a low education level.