Abstract
Evidence of a substantial decrease in dental caries in New Zealand schoolchildren is available from a number of surveys extending over a period of 30 years; the decrease has been particularly apparent over the past five years. Fluoridation of public water supplies and the widespread use of fluoride toothpastes are considered to be having a major influence on caries prevalence. Coinciding with this decrease, and no doubt contributing to it, has been a change of emphasis -within the School Dental Service to a more preventive approach.