---

India, a developing country, faces many challenges in rendering oral health care needs. Children less than 18 years constitute about 40% of the Indian population. Financial constraints and lack of awareness about dental diseases has resulted in gross neglect of oral health. The assessment of oral health status of children in government and private schools may provide us baseline data on the oral health status of children from different socio-economic background. This helps in prioritizing the services to the high risk groups when policies and programs for school going children are implemented.

---

Dr. S. Jagadeeswara Rao, MDS is currently serving as Professor&Head, Dept. of Public Health Dentistry, Govt. Dental College & Hospital, Hyderabad, India. He has several publications of national and international journals to his credit. He is also serving as Secretary, Indian Dental Association of Public Health Dentistry and State Nodal Officer, NOHP.

---