The Indian Health Service is the principal federal health care provider and health advocate for approximately 1.5 million American Indians and Alaska Natives living on or near reservations.  Historically tribes have been the political and social framework for decision making.  Health care and education facilities are often the glue that holds families and communities together.
	The health of AI/AN people lags behind the all U.S. population groups in most indicators.  The focus of this presentation is directed toward the oral health of Indian people and more specifically toward its future leaders - children 0 to 17 years.