PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE OF PREVENTION OF DENTAL DISEASE

The authors present data describing the level and extent of the genera l public's knowledge of oral diseases and their prevention. They discu ss data from the 1990 National Health Interview Survey's Health Promot ion and Disease Prevention Supplement in the context of national oral health objectives. They focus on demographic and socioeconomic differe nces seen in the public's knowledge of the preventive purposes of fluo rides and dental sealants for dental caries and of symptoms of gum dis ease. Reported low levels of knowledge regarding oral disease symptoms and their prevention show the continuing trend reported during the pa st decade. Racial and ethnic minorities and groups with low levels of formal education demonstrate the least knowledge of prevention of oral diseases. For example, 76 percent of those with more than 12 years of schooling know the preventive purpose of water fluoridation, compared with 61 percent of those with 12 years, and 36 percent of those with less than 12 years of school. Efforts to increase levels of knowledge about oral disease prevention are required to achieve national objecti ves for oral health.