Presented at the l981 Research Forum on Children and Youth, this report describes the nature and impact of the most important dental health problems that affect children and youth in our society, summarizes the advances achieved by research during the last decade, and identifies those areas where research is required for continued progress over…

It is apparent that some children in the United States have not benefited from the improved oral health care available. These children tend to be poor and members of racial and ethnic minority groups. Policy recommendations are made to increase both self-care and access to dental care. (SLD)