Dental Needs in Children of Mexican-American Migrant Workers
Author: DiAngelis, Anthony J.; Jensen, Mark E.; Pintado, Maria
Date Published: 1981
The unique health needs of Mexican-American migrant farm workers has long been a source of concern for various state and federal agencies. While there exists in the literature a number of articles describing treatment programs sponsored by dental schools and health departments, as well as reports describing the oral health status of Black adult and Puerto Rican adult migrant workers, there is limited information concerning the specific oral health needs of the children of Mexican American migrant workers. A survey of 578 3-13-year-old children of Mexican American migrant farmworkers was conducted to: (1) identify the level of dental caries need; and (2) to determine the most effective and feasible intervention mechanisms regarding treatment and prevention. The primary emphasis of a dental service in a summer school program for this population should be the provision of restorative treatment because of the following factors: (1) the periodic availability of these children; (2) the biologic eruption patterns of teeth; (3) the limitations of preventive techniques regarding frequency of application.
Date Published: 1981
The unique health needs of Mexican-American migrant farm workers has long been a source of concern for various state and federal agencies. While there exists in the literature a number of articles describing treatment programs sponsored by dental schools and health departments, as well as reports describing the oral health status of Black adult and Puerto Rican adult migrant workers, there is limited information concerning the specific oral health needs of the children of Mexican American migrant workers. A survey of 578 3-13-year-old children of Mexican American migrant farmworkers was conducted to: (1) identify the level of dental caries need; and (2) to determine the most effective and feasible intervention mechanisms regarding treatment and prevention. The primary emphasis of a dental service in a summer school program for this population should be the provision of restorative treatment because of the following factors: (1) the periodic availability of these children; (2) the biologic eruption patterns of teeth; (3) the limitations of preventive techniques regarding frequency of application.
