State programs for the primary prevention of major oral diseases in Belarus

Background. The purpose of the study was to analyze the results of the implementation of state programs for the prevention of major dental diseases, dental caries and periodontal diseases, in the Republic of Belarus. Materials and methods. Generalization of studies on the epidemiology of dental caries and periodontal diseases among children and adults in Belarus. Results. The first state program for the primary prevention of dental diseases in children, developed by professor E.M. Melnichenko in 1986, together with the updated version of 1998, was effective in reducing the prevalence of dental caries in the key age group of 12-year-old children by 20 % from the baseline level; the national prevention program made it possible to achieve the decayed, missing and filled teeth index of 2.4. Conclusions. The experience of practical implementation of the state program for the prevention of dental diseases in the Republic of Belarus was positive due to the use of evidence-based methods recommended by the World Health Organization.