In 1986, a national oral health program was initiated and national policy guidelines and goals were formulated. Despite various difficulties, the initial momentum and the resources of the program brought positive changes and the previously increasing caries trend was stopped. Unfortunately the beginning of the early 90's brought a gradual dissolution of the program but other stimulating effects came into force.
At the same time nationwide clinical investigations and questionnaire surveys were conducted regularly in compliance with WHO standard diagnostic criteria and pathfinder methodology. The key findings of the latest survey are as follows: the proportion of caries-free 6-year-olds children is 41% and the caries prevalence of 12-year-olds is 2.4 DMFT. The data is compared to the results of previous national surveys and those of other European countries.
Since 1985 positive changes in the oral health status of Hungarian children have occurred. in both indicator age groups. In a European context, Hungary is still a country with a high prevalence of dental caries. The accomplishment of the WHO bench-marks remains a challenge.