Embarking on health policy changes for bringing oral health towards school aged children

Abstract

The modest goal of World Health Organization (WHO), of reducing DMFT (Decayed, Missing, Filled teeth) to below 3 for 12- year old and caries prevalence below 50 -60% for 5-6 year olds has not been achieved in developing countries. In most of the developing countries including India, these goals are unlikely to be achieved in the next decade or more without a major change in the health policies and delivery system.

Keywords: developing country, health policy, school children, oral health