Oral Health Promotion

Many of the common dental diseases are behavioral in origin, and are affected by individual lifestyles. Health promotion is therefore at the heart of preventing and controlling dental ill health. Helping people to understand that they can influence whether they have good or bad teeth is of prime importance. This book presents theoretical and practical advice on a broad range of topics encompassed by the term "health promotion". It includes models and theories of health behavior, influence of social factors on oral health promotion, government health policies, health education in specific settings, national campaigns, and evaluation of interventions. The historical background to health education and promotion is also discussed. The international roster of contributors provides a diverse set of topics. The book covers the complete range of health promotion activity. The comprehensive contents list will help readers and dental health professionals to target the sections of particular interest. Other health professionals will find the oral health promotion model useful when considering strategies for public health policy in other disciplines.