National Survey of Adult Dental Health

Timeline Display Date
1986

During the mid-1980s NIDR researchers studied the dental health of more than 20,000 adults. The study revealed that toothlessness had decreased dramatically among adults under 65 years of age, although it remained a problem for older Americans. Periodontal disease also remained a problem among older populations.

A dentist conducts a oral exam in an NIDR mobile dental examination unit and a woman stands outside waiting.
National Library of Medicine
Conducting an oral exam in an NIDR “mobile dental examination unit” during the mid-1980s.
Edward Hamppand Trench Mouth
Explore an Interactive Timeline of NIDCR's History

Learn about important events, scientific breakthroughs, and publications starting in 1945.

Last Reviewed
May 29, 2025