Simplified preventive dentistry program for Chilean refugees: effectiveness of one versus two instructional sessions

A simplified dental health program for newly arrived refugees was evaluated. The efficacy of presenting the program in one instructional session or two was compared. 193 Chilean refugees, granted residency in Stockholm in Spring 1981 or in Spring 1982, participated. The subjects were divided into two groups. One group received a dental health program only at the first visit, in conjunction with the baseline examination, and the other group was recalled for a further session 3 months after the baseline examination. Both groups were recalled for evaluation 6 months after the initial visit. At follow-up the groups comprised 94 and 65 subjects respectively. The mean relative reductions in gingivitis (relating GBI reduction to baseline GBI) were 33.2% (95% < I: 29.1 to 37.3%) in the single-visit group and 40.5% (95% < I: 35.9 to 45.8%) in the two-visit group. The reduction in periodontal pocket depth was mainly a reduction of shallow pockets. The maximum effect was attained after one instructional session.