Hrvoje Jurić was born on April 28, 1971, in Vinkovci, where he completed his primary and secondary education. He enrolled at the School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, in the academic year 1990/91 and graduated in July 1995. He defended his master’s thesis in 1999 and his doctoral dissertation in 2002. In 2018, he was appointed Full Professor with tenure. To date, he has published more than 100 scientific papers and is the author or co-author of 13 university textbooks. For over 20 years, he has participated in continuing education for doctors of dental medicine, delivering more than 250 lectures and hands-on courses. He is a member of numerous national and international professional associations and societies, including the Croatian Dental Chamber, Croatian Dental Society of the Croatian Medical Association, Croatian Society of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry of the Croatian Medical Association, Croatian Endodontic Society, European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, European Society of Endodontics, International Association of Dental Traumatology, International Association of Paediatric Dentistry, and the Organisation for Caries Research. Since 2015, he has served as President of the Croatian Dental Society and as Secretary of the Croatian Society of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry of the Croatian Medical Association. He has been Head of the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry at the School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, since 2014. Since 2024, he has held the position of Vice-Dean for Integrated Studies and Students. His main fields of interest include caries prevention, chemical and mechanical plaque control, oral microbiology, endodontic procedures in primary and young permanent teeth, dental traumatology, and aesthetic reconstructive procedures.
National Caries Prevention Program – is it worth it?
The National Caries Prevention Program aims to reduce the prevalence of dental caries, especially among children, through organized preventive measures such as fluoride use, oral health education, dietary counseling, and regular dental screenings. Moreover, prevention programs are generally more cost-effective than restorative treatments. In conclusion, a National Caries Prevention Program is worthwhile, provided it is well-planned, evidence-based, and supported by strong public health policies and community engagement.