Dental caries and periodontal disease in Mexican American children of the southwestern United States occur mainly in molars, lending strong support for the use of fissure sealants as a preventive procedure. This study also reports on the prevalence of fillings decay and gingivitis in this population. (VM)

Contrary to previous research, this study found striking differences in the dental experiences, practices, and beliefs of inner city and suburban seventh graders but few differences between groups with regard to compliance with school-based preventive programs. (GC)

Takes issue with the preceding article on the National Preventive Dentistry Demonstration Program. Argues that while the program's report has made a useful contribution to public health planning, its results are not valid as a reference for cost or effectiveness data for school-based dental health programs. (KH)

The cost and effectiveness of various types and combinations of school-based preventive dental care procedures were assessed in the National Preventive Dentistry Demonstration Program, a four-year study involving more than 20,000 students, from ten schools nationwide. Communal water fluoridation was reaffirmed as the most cost-effective means of…

Based on an analysis of 46 small geographic areas, birth weight statistics were related to variables of income, home maintenance, medical and dental care, and aid to dependent children. It was suggested that birth weight statistics may be more effective than infant mortality statistics for many purposes where death data are now used. (EH)

This is a report on a four and one-half year study of adolescent health, based on data collected through personal interviews with and medical examinations of 752 youth, 12-17 years of age, in a representative cross section of households in Harlem. Almost all were black and this report focuses on them alone. On the assumption that many health needs…