Advances in Dental Research, Vol 9, 91-95, Copyright © 1995 by International & American Associations for Dental Research
The public's oral health: the gaps between what we know and what we practice
A. M. Horowitz
Health for All by the Year 2000 is a theme developed in 1979 by the World
Health Organization. The theme includes oral health and is being promoted
throughout the world. The advances in dental research make it possible to
improve oral health and, concomitantly, general health. With the
appropriate use of science-based, preventive regimens, dental caries and
periodontal diseases can be prevented or controlled. Further, major risk
factors for oral and lip cancer are known; thus, it is possible to reduce
the incidence of these diseases. Available technologies, however, are
useful only when they are used by appropriate user groups as recommended.
The gaps between what is known about preventing oral diseases and what is
practiced are often extensive. This presentation explores differences
between scientific knowledge about risk factors for oral diseases and
preventive regimens and procedures, public and professional knowledge and
practices, and professional support for improved oral health through the
application of primary preventive procedures, often referred to as "science
transfer". Barriers to the adoption of preventive regimens and practices
are discussed. Strategies using health education and health promotion for
narrowing these gaps are presented.
