Report of dental treatment for an island of Okinawa

Abstract

Dental treatment was performed on the the inhabitants of Iriomote Island, which is a non-dentist island at present, in Okinawa; two hundred forty-five patients received the treatment for 647 man-days during the period from July 6 through 28, 1994. Since completion of the treatment plan was considered to be necessary during that period, treatments for many teeth had to be done simultaneously because a large number of dental caries and periodontal disease were found. Dental hygienic education such as brushing instruction was made but the long-term educational program is considered to be important so as to prevent dental disease as well. It is to be desired that many dentists become interested in the treatment in non-dentist areas.