International collaborative studies in oral health: a practical illustration of WHO research policy.

The International Collaborative Study (ICS) initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and supported by the United States Public Health Service is a meaningful practical example of international scientific collaboration. It involves 12 study sites within eight different countries. The main objective embodied in the global strategy of WHO is to focus on action for the better health of all people. The ultimate purpose of the project is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of oral health care systems by providing policy makers and researchers with detailed, reliable and valid data on the oral health situation in their country together with comparative data from other countries' oral health care systems. The ICS I (1973-1981) is described and the main outcomes are discussed with regard to their impact on national health policies. The ICS II which was launched in February 1988 and is currently ongoing is presented. Differences and similarities between the two projects are discussed as well as the main expected achievements.