The purpose of the study was to develop cultural models that describe dental care practices among the primary ethnic cultures of the Southwest. The pilot study sample, of Mexican Americans and Anglo Americans, was obtained through the Las Cruces Schools. Sampling was stratified random sampling using elementary school (grades 1-6) records. Initial analysis of data on the various technical and nontechnical factors indicated significant differences between the 2 groups in periodontal, decayed teeth, filled teeth, and frequency of visits to the dentist of both mother and child. Family size, education, income, and job skill of head of household were social/demographic factors in which significant differences were also found between the 2 groups. It was concluded that the best delivery of health services occurs only when the cultural barriers to such delivery are understood. This understanding cannot be reached merely in describing cultural differences but rather in the ordering and structuring of known variables into predictive models of dental care practices. (HBC)