Integrating dental health into a family-oriented health promotion approach in Guatemala.

The family is the core institution around which the life of each family member revolves. The health status of one family member depends on that of the others. Consequently, health promotion should be targeted at families and communities. Oral and dental health can be integrated into the general health promotion program within families, utilizing principles akin to the common risk factor approach. This article describes a health promotion structure in Guatemala. The family-oriented health promotion approach that is applied in Guatemala suggests a suitable approach that can be incorporated into general health plans elsewhere.