[1st exploratory national survey of disease prevalence and treatment needs of the oral cavity].

The cooperation between the portuguese Ministry of Health and the WHO European Regional Office lead to the accomplishment, in 1984, of a pathfinder survey on prevalence of oral diseases. The index ages where 6, 12 and 35-44 years observed in clusters of 50 individuals from 13 observation sites in six urban and four rural areas. In the two major urban areas a sub-stratification of three socio-economic levels was accomplished. Where observed 1891 individuals and the Authors concluded that the prevalence of caries in 12 year olds was moderate (3.8 DMFT) with possible evidence that might increase in the near future in rural and low socio-economic groups. Manpower needs in dentists and hygienists have also been estimated.