Background: There are few national caries preventive policies for children in France. Various surveys suggest that in the late 1980s, oral health of the 6-year olds in France was poorer than in those of other European countries. In Val de Marne (a Department just east of Paris) a public dental service was established in 1991. A programme to inform preschool staff about dental diseases was commenced and volunteers brought oral health information to parents and health professionals. Periodical monitoring of primary tooth caries of 6-year olds was planned.
Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in primary tooth caries in 6-year olds over the 10 years of the programme.
Methods: Participating 6-year olds, randomly selected, were examined in schools by dentists. Clinical data were collected (WHO criteria). Sociodemographic data were collected through questionnaire. Statistical analysis involved comparison of mean values, variance analysis and chi-square test for categorical variables.
Results: The proportions of children with caries experience were, 38.9%, 30.6% and 22.2% in 1991, 1995 and 2000 respectively (P < 0.01). The dft index decreased from 1.74 to 1.39 and 1.05 respectively. About 75% of children with dental caries remained untreated. Children of non-European native parents or belonging to low socioeconomic families remained those most affected by dental caries in 2000.
Conclusion: Dental caries in 6-year olds improved between 1991 and 2000 in Val de Marne but caries remained a socially inequitable disease. Most children did not have access to dental care. The situation requires changes to the dental care provision system.