[Dentistry in developing countries].

The author presents different approaches to dental activities in developing countries. The general prevalence of dental caries and periodontitis in developing countries is low. The limited resources for health programmes, and for oral health in particular, underscore the need to make priorities in order to improve the health of the inhabitants. To promote oral health, it is necessary to focus on improving knowledge about the major oral diseases and the possibility of developing community-based programmes of intervention and prevention. The integration of oral health into general health programmes is a major goal in the prevention and combat of oral diseases. Knowledge and research in fields of oral medicine, preventive oral programmes as well as in fluoride toxicology as part of water programmes is important.