The oral health status of migrant and seasonal farm workers and their families in Florida

The oral health status of 454 children and 115 adults from a population of migrant and seasonal farm workers in Florida was assessed. The prevalence of disease among the children was consistent with that reported for other black children of this age. The migrants had received more dental treatment than the children of seasonal farm workers; however, the level of care for both groups was strikingly low. The results of this neglect were clearly reflected in the mouths of the adults, most of which were found to be in a very deteriorated state of dental health. A program to cope with these long unmet needs is unrealistic. Efforts should be made to eliminate pain and infection until the cycle of poverty can be broken.