[Progression of DMF index--DMF from 3 to 12 years: need for preventive intervention].

To evaluate the prevalence of soft deposits and the trend of dmf/DMF index, a group of children between 3 and 12 years of age has been examined. A DMF Index of 5.74 at 12 proves the need to promote educational and prevention programmes in the Ulss 34 area since the WHO program "Health for all in the year 2000" sets a target of a DMF Index below 3 at 12.