Oral health goals for Germany 2030: reduction of caries and periodontitis and improvement of prevention

Abstract

In 1996, the German Dental Association (BZÄK) defined oral health goals for the dental profession in Germany for the first time. The third revision of the goals for the year 2030 is now based on new oral epidemiological studies. The formerly tooth-oriented focus of the objectives has been expanded to include both disease-related as well as oral health-promoting and preventive objective areas in the sense of an integrative perspective of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. This paper presents asample of the updated oral health goals specifically related to the reduction of caries in children and periodontal disease in adults, but also to the improvement of oral health behaviour of the population and the implementation of group prophylactic measures. The current situation is assessed and recommendations for action are made.By 2030, the primary dentition of 3‑year-olds should be at least 90% caries-free. Admft-value (caries index of the primary dentition) of maximum 0.4 is being targeted. The permanent teeth of 12-year-olds should also be at least 90% caries-free, and the DMFT (caries index of the permanent teeth) should be kept at 0.5. Severe periodontal diseases are to be reduced to 10% in 35-44-year-olds and to 20% in 65-74-year-olds; the 2020 goals in this regard are thus adressed once again. The oral health behaviour of the population should be further improved and group prophylactic measures strengthened.The basis for achieving the 2030 oral health goals is the commitment of the relevant actors in the health system and health policy as well as an appropriate use of resources.