Oral health status and tradition in New Zealand

New Zealand in the 1930's faced a very high prevalence of caries, particularly in children, and much edentulousness in adults of all ages. There was a very large unmet treatment requirement. This led to the development of two state funded delivery systems--for children by the School Dental Service, and for adolescents by the Dental Benefit Scheme. The treatment of adults was provided in the private sector. A study in 1976 determined the standard of oral health and the treatment needs, and examined public attitudes. Comparison with previous data showed a remarkable reduction in the prevalence of caries and in the level of edentulousness. Children and adolescents had little untreated decay (D = 1.3), few extractions and large numbers of restored teeth (F = 11.9). Adults still had a high level of edentulousness. Generalized gingivitis was present in 6 per cent of the young adult group and in 20 per cent of older adults. Polynesians, the lesser educated and low socio-economic groups had more periodontal disease at all ages. Two of the goals for the year 2000 should be achieved by 1988: i.e. 50 per cent of 5-year-olds should be caries-free and 12-year-olds should have a DMFT of less than 3. Two more goals should be reached by the year 2000, i.e. 85 per cent of those aged 18 should retain all their teeth and there should be a 50 per cent reduction in edentulousness in the age group 34-44.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)