An Assessment of the Occlusion of the Teeth of Children 6-11Years, United States

In December 1965 the Division of Health Examination Statistics successfully concluded a survey of the health of the Nation's children aged 6-11 years. The survey began in June 1963 and was the second of the Health Examination Survey programs, or "cycles," which, launched successively, produce statistical information about the health of specific segments of the United States population. The conduct and operation of the children's cycle closely followed a blueprint prepared for the preceding adult cycle. Examinations were conducted at 40 randomly selected locations in 25 States by means of mobile examination centers manned by physicians, dentists, psychologists, nurses, and technicians. Before a child was examined, information was obtained from the parent of the child, including demographic and socioeconomic data on the household members as well as medical history, behavioral, and related data on the child to be examined. The target population totaled approximately 23.8 million children (table III, appendix III). It was defined as all noninstitutionalized children aged 6-11 living in the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii) except those living on lands reserved for the use of American Indians. To obtain statistically valid estimates about the health of so many people, a probability sample was designed and selected by a complex scientific procedure (appendix III). The sample consisted of approximately 7,400 children, or about 185 at each location.