Oral health survey, 1986-1987

This survey was conducted in response to a recommendation from the National Health and Medical Research Council that a national oral health survey be conducted in order to assess needs in Australian dental services and education. It was the first Australia-wide survey concerning dental disease and abnormality of both adults and children. The objectives of the survey were: (1) to determine oral health status and prevalence of oral diseases and abnormalities; (2) to determine dental treatment needs; (3) to obtain information concerning community behaviour in relation to dental health care. It was intended to provide baseline data to assist in: (1) planning dental services and programs; (2) evaluating current services; (3) assessing dental workforce requirements; (4) determining trends in oral health and community behaviour in relation to dental health care; (5) planning undergraduate and postgraduate education. The survey covered: time since last dental visit, number of visits in the last twelve months, venue of last visit, treatment received at last visit, private dental insurance status, frequency of brushing teeth, use of flouride tablets, respondent's perceived need for dental treatment, disorders of oral mucosa, denture status, edentulousness, periodontal status, malocclusion, dentition status and treatment of teeth, and other conditions requiring treatment. Background variables were geographical location, sex, age, and country of birth.