Oral health status of 65- to 74-year-old Danes: a preliminary report of the replication of W.H.O.'s international collaborative study in Denmark.

The survey has demonstrated that oral health is poor in the present old-age generation in Denmark. A striking relationship between social class and tooth mortality has been demonstrated. In the present dental care system in Denmark, treatment rather than prevention has had priority. A change is however necessary. Greater emphasis on preventive measures and a change in the attitude of the public to dental health is needed, if the dental health of the population is to be improved. However, the majority of the present old population cannot benefit from new, improved programs to preserve the teeth. We are therefore still left with the obligation not to neglect the need and demand for dental treatment--of whatever nature it may be--in the old generation. The survey has clearly demonstrated that, so far, these demands have not been met.