Comparative cross sectional study to assess the impact of the school dental service on the prevention and treatment of common dental diseases among school children in the Colombo South. Edu.Division.

Abstract

There is an overall reduction in the prevalence of both caries and periodontal disease when compared to 1983/84 situation. Consequently, there was a rise in disease free children. The treatment needs too showed a reduction and much scope to practice restorative dentistry than extractions. School dental service had failed miserably in providing oral health education to an adequate number of children, which was an objective of the recent reorganization. However, this positive impact and the overall reduction in disease situation shown in the present study should be interpreted only with a certain degree of reservation. It lacks adequate representation in socio-economic and educational background. In addition, the change in the country, parental education, massive availability of fluoridated tooth pastes, health education programmes in mass -media etc.There is an overall reduction in the prevalence of both caries and periodontal disease when compared to 1983/84 situation. Consequently, there was a rise in disease free children. The treatment needs too showed a reduction and much scope to practice restorative dentistry than extractions. School dental service had failed miserably in providing oral health education to an adequate number of children, which was an objective of the recent reorganization. However, this positive impact and the overall reduction in disease situation shown in the present study should be interpreted only with a certain degree of reservation. It lacks adequate representation in socio-economic and educational background. In addition, the change in the country, parental education, massive availability of fluoridated tooth pastes, health education programmes in mass -media etc.