Symposium on Dental Health Behavior.

This document presents papers, critiques, and comments from a symposium which assessed the current status of preventive dental behavior. The field was divided into the following three major areas: (a) mass media programs, (b) school health programs, and (c) effect of the private practitioner. Each author was asked to review the literature, provide an assessment of the current state of knowledge, and suggest future research needs in his or her area. Members of the reactor panel were asked to respond from the vantage point of the application of behavioral science technology to preventive programs. One of the most striking outcomes of the program was acknowledgement of the communication gap between behavioral scientists and practicing dentists. Some dentists felt that behavioral scientists were withholding immediately applicable techniques, while others felt there was little to be obtained from such techniques. Many behavioral scientists felt that dentists did not appreciate or support their concern and efforts in this field. (Editor/PB)