[Application of the tracer method in the evaluation of the quality of dental care in 3237 Belgian schoolchildren].

In this paper, we describe the social distribution of levels of quality of the care to dental caries in 3237 Belgian schoolchildren aged 5 to 21. First, one decayed surface in 4 is filled. The index of filled surfaces of privileged children and of those who regularly consult the dentist is 50% higher than in disadvantaged children and in those who consult for cure. Secondly, one filled surface in 3 is threatened. The index of recurrent caries of privileged children is 30% lower than the one of disadvantaged children. A similar difference is observed between the groups defined by their use of dental services. Thirdly, one decayed surface in 25 is missing. The proportion of missing surfaces is not negligible in disadvantaged children and in those who consult the dentist for cure. We conclude that the system of dental care does not favor equity nor maintenance of dental health.