[Preventive dentistry in France].

In France, oral prevention has recently progressed in various aspects of dental caries prophylaxis which is reviewed in this paper. A better knowledge of dental caries prevalence has been obtained at a national level and the French Government authorized in October 1985 salt fluoridation for a period of 5 years which in addition to other means of caries prevention such as fluoridated toothpastes and various local and topical procedures has increased the potentials of fluoride use in France. In addition a larger use of fissure sealants has been encouraged. It is hoped that the introduction of salt fluoridation in France will reduce the caries incidence to a DMFT not more than 3 for the 12 year old children thus fulfilling the WHO goals for oral health in the year 2000.