Computers in preventive dentistry.

In the course of the past 20 years, an astonishingly rapid development of modern programmable computers has taken place. Electronic data processing (EDP) has therefore become very cheap. EDP may be used in all types of research; however, this paper deals specifically with applications in preventive cariology and periodontology. The use of punch cards and magnetic tape for storing of dental data is discussed. The principle of error testing of dental caries data is exemplified. A simple program which performs DMF counts is presented and explained. Some principles for longitudinal caries studies are elucidated. The use of large computing centres for processing extramural clinical studies is discussed. Some examples of progress due to utilization of EDP systems are given. The advantages of small computers on one hand and of large computers on the other hand are illustrated using the problem of DMF statistics. Some other applications of EDP are mentioned.