The purpose of the study was to develop cultural models that describe dental care practices among the primary ethnic cultures of the Southwest. The pilot study sample, of Mexican Americans and Anglo Americans, was obtained through the Las Cruces Schools. Sampling was stratified random sampling using elementary school (grades 1-6) records. Initial…

This document presents papers, critiques, and comments from a symposium which assessed the current status of preventive dental behavior. The field was divided into the following three major areas: (a) mass media programs, (b) school health programs, and (c) effect of the private practitioner. Each author was asked to review the literature, provide…

A comprehensive toothbrushing program including detailed task analysis and specific training procedures was developed and evaluated for eight institutionalized mentally retarded adolescents (mean IQ 43.1). The first group of four Ss received token plus social reinforcement while the second group received only social reinforcement. All eight Ss…

Included in a handbook are discussions on general information for dental health for the institutionalized retarded, their need for dental care, the attendant's role in providing care, dental information for the attendant, how and when to use a toothbrush, care of toothbrushes and equipment, and indications of abnormal mouth conditions. Information…

Over 450 Spanish printed materials about the various aspects of health and their sources are listed in this publication. Italics are used to indicate either the translation of Spanish titles or the titles of English-language editions. Publications with bilingual texts are shown by hyphenated titles. Information about the distribution of materials…

Instruction in self-examination for early detection of orofacial cancer was given to more than 450 persons at the Erie County (New York) Fair to familiarize the public with the technique. Results of followup studies of participants and program experience suggest that it is feasible to implement the instruction on a large scale. (MF)

The author (1) presents data drawn from a fourteen-week program on oral health care involving second-grade students; (2) concludes that such a program is successful in promoting short-term behavioral change; and (3) stresses the need for periodic reinforcement and repetition to assure behavior maintenance over time. (MB)

The medical evaluation of 165 mentally retarded Australian adults found an average of 2.6 health problems, well above the number in the general population. In order of frequency, conditions found included obesity, ocular impairment, serious dental problems, and aural disorders. Active health promotion with this group is recommended. (DB)

Suggestions are presented for helping disabled individuals learn to use or adapt toothbrushes for proper dental care. A directory lists dental health instructional materials available from various organizations. (CB)

Examined health concerns of 278 urban junior high school students. Highest levels of concerns pertained to dental health, friendships, nutrition, and sex; lowest levels pertained to smoking, birth control, pregnancy, and homosexuality. Younger, female, and less healthy students expressed greater health concerns. (Author/NB)

The competency assessment and remediation sequence used to ensure student readiness to progress through the curriculum at the University of North Carolina's Dental Auxiliary Teacher Education program is described. The frequency of need for remediation was analyzed. (Author/MLW)

Concepts, such as nutrition density, that teachers need to understand to teach children good nutrition are explained. Teachers can use food diaries, protein picture charts, and class discussions about health problems related to excessive sugar and fats to instill healthy eating habits in their students. (PP)

Traditionally, methods for evaluating school dental health education projects have focused on student behavior change as the outcome of such programs. A more realistic evaluation plan is presented which examines skill acquisition among students. (JN)

Abstracts of the sessions include discussions of health education programs, various research models of both health and higher education concern; sessions on dental health, mental health, athletic medicine, and junior and community colleges. The topics of administration, clinical medicine, and environmental health and safety are also covered. (JN)