Dental hygienists as a new element in the oral health service in Poland

A comparison of the number, employment, utilization and activities of dental hygienists in Poland between 1977 and 1982 is described. In spite of a distinct increase in number and better distribution in the country, the employment of hygienists in the oral health service is still low. However, the majority of dental hygienists are employed in the oral health service for children, working mostly as dental assistants doing fluoride prophylaxis and dental health education in addition. The percentage of operating dental hygienists is also low. The need for their preventive activity is great, as the dental caries rate in Polish children is generally high.