Differences in dental experiences, practices, and beliefs of inner-city and suburban adolescents.

Inner-city and suburban students' dental experiences, current practices, beliefs, and compliance with two school-based preventive programs were examined. Striking differences were found in the students' dental experiences, practices, and beliefs, but few in their compliance. These findings challenge the notion that inner-city students are poor compliers and suggest ways in which practitioners and public health officials might utilize the differing practices of these populations to plan preventive programs for adolescents.