[Series: Caries prevention in historical perspective. Education]

In the Netherlands, since the end of the nineteenth century, information has been given to the public about possible ways to prevent dental caries. This happened in the dental offices, in health centres where the parents of young children received advice, and in schools. From 1968 until the mid-1980s, large-scale information campaigns were organised in various municipalities and regions. The Ivory Cross, a Dutch society for oral health education, has been providing information on oral health and supporting the provision of information for, among others, dentists and dental hygienists by offering educational material. The understanding of the phenomenon 'information' has changed during the past century. By applying new insights, there is an increased chance to prevent caries by providing information.