A theoretical model for understanding motivation of plaque control is presented. The belief in this model is that, if people can be convinced of their ability to control a health threat, they would be encouraged to take responsibility for their health. (CJ)

Basic dental examinations were conducted on 35 visually impaired students aged 5 to 16 years in a state-supported residential school, and results were compared with national and state findings. Oral hygiene and gingival inflammation levels were found to be suboptimal but not atypical. (Author/PB)

Throughout history, societal investments in children have resulted in increased prosperity for individuals, communities, states and nations. This proved to be the case for California in the 1950s and 1960s, when the state strongly supported children's futures. Despite once following this path to prosperity, California has de-prioritized children…

The "California Report Card" provides a comprehensive overview of child and family well-being in California, focusing particularly on children's health and educational status, and on the policies and programs that affect them. Based on policy progress and children's outcomes, each focus area is assigned a grade. The "Report…

A year-long program of dental health education involving parents as well as pupils is described. (JD)

This manual is designed for use by school personnel and dental personnel to aid in the development and maintenance of school-based or school-linked dental sealant programs. The sections include (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Guidelines" (school selection, school contacts, dental providers, target grades, and tooth selection…

The ongoing adoption of school-based fluoride mouthrinse programs has provided the opportunity to study issues surrounding the adoption and implementation of health technology by public schools. This article reports data on and implications of the National Study on the Diffusion of Preventive Health Measures to Schools. (Authors/CJ)

Suggestions for facilitating dental health education programs in public schools include: (1) determining who will be responsible for dental health education; (2) involving parents; (3) using community health resources; and (4) assessing the results of programs. (JN)

This report presents information regarding the public school's role in United States dentistry. An introductory section provides a brief overview of the status of dentistry in public education. Section II, "The Genesis of School Dentistry in the Progressive Era," discusses new understanding of oral disease, the school health movement and oral…

Two types of school-based programs that increase students' use of fluoride for preventive dental health are described. In fluoride mouthrinse programs, teachers give their students a fluoride solution once a week in a paper cup. In areas where the level of fluoride in the water supply is insufficient, the flouride tablet program is used. (JN)

Ten questions are provided to facilitate selection and evaluation of materials for a dental health curriculum. Examples of industry-sponsored dental health programs available free or at minimal cost are given. (JN)

Oral disease risks regarding the use of tobacco arise not only from smoking but also from the oral use of tobacco in the form of snuff. Such diseases range from simple tooth decay to various forms of cancer. A fact list is suggested for presenting the risks to school-age youth. (JN)

The 1977-1978 evaluation of the TATTLETOOTH program included a dental screening of 5,071 school children in 5 counties. A group of 905 of these children were given, in addition, a post-test after receiving the dental education program. A control group of 672 were post-tested without having the program. Teachers were asked their opinions of the…

Various plans, including direct delivery of primary health care in public schools, are being suggested due to concern about the health of this nation's school children. The development of the role of the school in health care is explored. Current trends in school health programs are discussed. (Author/DF)

A special dental health curriculum, called the Tattletooth Curriculum, demonstrates the use of the humanistic model in health education and its concern for the learner as a total person. The main concept in the development of this curriculum is that the prospect for changing behavior is unlikely unless the health information is personally…