Describes how cultural practices, circumstances and beliefs (prolonged bottle-feeding, parenting styles, fatalism, language barriers, lack of money or knowledge) affect the dental health care practices of minority and ethnic children. Stresses that pediatric dentists must be aware of the importance of these factors. Example: Latino patients who adhere to the cultural values of “confianza” and “personalismo” may be more accepting of the recommendations of a denist who develops a warm personal relationship with them.
