[Implementation of an orodental prevention program in Auvergne: report after 1 year]

A pilot program in preventive dentistry has been carried out since 1992 in Auvergne (France). In this program, children of artisans and shopkeepers from 4 to 15 year-old have an annual dental consultation with the dentist of their choice. Dental care when related to dental caries prevention and treatment is free of charge. From September 1992 to September 1993, 48% of the 4 and 5 year-old children (n = 1040) to whom the program had been addressed went to the dentist for this consultation. Preventive dental treatments such as sealants and professional topical fluoride applications were rarely performed. However, a fluoride support was prescribed to 70% of the participants. Moreover, 75% of the children displaying caries at the time of the first consultation received appropriate curative dental treatments.