Oral health surveys: Basic methods

Abstract

The aims of this manual are as follows: 1) To provide a systematic approach to the collection and reporting of data on oral diseases and conditions; 2) To ensure that data collected in a wide range of environments are comparable; 3) To encourage oral health administrators in all countries to make standar measurements of oral diseases and conditions as a basis for planning and evaluating oral health programmes. To achieve these aims the manual provides: 1) Guidelines on a practical and economic sample design approach suitable for assessing oral diseases and treatment needs, for planning and monitoring oral health services; 2) A description of diagnostic criteria that can be readily understood and applied in all countries, regardless of the concepts held and the training and experience of the oral health personnel; 3) Information on means of obtaining practical assistance in planning and analysing results