SIMPLIFIED PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY PROGRAM FOR CHILEAN REFUGEES - EFFECTIVENESS OF ONE VERSUS 2 INSTRUCTIONAL SESSIONS

A simplified dental health program for newly arrived refugees was eval uated. The efficacy of presenting the program in one instructional ses sion or two was compared. 193 Chilean refugees, granted residency in S tockholm in Spring 1981 or in Spring 1982, participated. The subjects were divided into two groups. One group received a dental health progr am only at the first visit, in conjunction with the baseline examinati on, and the other group was recalled for a further session 3 months af ter the baseline examination. Both groups were recalled for evaluation 6 months after the initial visit. At follow-up the groups comprised 9 4 and 65 subjects respectively. The mean relative reductions in gingiv itis (relating GBI reduction to baseline GBI) were 33.2% (95% < I: 29. 1 to 37.3%) in the single-visit group and 40.5% (95% < I: 35.9 to 45.8 %) in the two-visit group. The reduction in periodontal pocket depth w as mainly a reduction of shallow pockets. The maximum effect was attai ned after one instructional session.