ABSTRACT
Preventive dentistry covers all aspects of dentistry and includes those practices by individuals and communities that affect oral health status. Dental screening is the presumptive identification of unrecognised disease or defect by the application of tests, examinations or other procedures, which can be applied rapidly. The prevalence of dental caries is low among adolescents, but high among adults. The main cause of dental caries is high sugar consumption, which is widespread in the population. The most effective way of preventing dental caries is the use of fluorides as it can be easily applied to the whole population. A small group of adolescents have a high level of dental caries. Additional preventive programmes may be developed for those with high levels of dental caries. The main cause of dental caries is diet, which is also related to general health. Targeting the idea of a good and healthy diet maximises resources by targeting the risk factor common to many conditions.
