Advances in Dental Research, Vol 9, 89-90, Copyright © 1995 by International & American Associations for Dental Research
Quality assurance in prevention
O. Edhag
The National Board of Health and Welfare, Sweden.
The successful prevention of caries in Sweden, as in many other countries,
is an example of what might he obtained when a systematic and complete
program is adopted. Fluoride programs, mechanical cleaning of the teeth,
and improved nutrition and eating habits have been the most important
fundamentals for the positive results. A diminished use of tobacco, with a
reduced frequency of periodontitis as one of the consequences, has been
successful in some groups in the population but less so in others. There
is, however, evidence now in Sweden of a less active preventive approach
concerning caries prophylaxis among some parents today than a generation
ago. Thus, there are obvious reasons to continue with oral preventive
programs, preferably integrated with general health programs. For
acceptable quality in preventive programs to be obtained, concrete goals
must be formulated. These should be based upon scientific findings. Those
in the society who should be given priority in the program must be
identified by epidemiological studies. Systems for follow-up of the
preventive measures should be integrated into the programs when they are
initiated. Total quality assurance programs should include parameters which
describe the resources and the process needed to obtain the formulated
goals. The qualifications of those involved in the process are among the
most important resources for success.
