Trends in dental caries in 12-year old children in Croatia

In this epidemiological study the caries status of 12-year-old children was compared over time for the years 1968, 1973, 1980, 1985 1990, 1991 and 199 9. The mean number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) decreased fr om 7.0 in 1968 to 2.6 in 1991. From 1991 to 1999 and increase of DMFT 2.6 i n 1991, to 3.5 in 1999) has been seen which is result of roar in Croatia an d reorganisation of health care delivery system. With the expected continui ng decline in the prevalence and severity of oral diseases, one of the main problems in the future seems to be the transition of the oral health care delivery system from a disease-oriented system to a health-oriented one.