Document Type : Original Articles

Abstract

Introduction: Use of Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) and Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) Index provides a picture of oral health status, which is essential for national oral health policy- making and specific interventions. The aim of this study was to assess the oral health status and treatment needs of Kermanian adult population. Materials and Methods: A multi-stratified sample was used to survey 154 adults aged 35-44 years. Data were collected by a questionnaire and standardized oral health exam according to WHO methodology for caries criteria and periodontal status. The data were analyzed by SPSS software, using χ2 and t- student tests. Results: The mean DMFT was 10.88 ± 6.47. 0.6% had healthy periodontium. 3.9% had removable prothesis. 66% brushed their teeth at least one time dily. 5.8% regularly used dental floss. Dental health behavior, gender, educational level, occupation were not significantly associated with DMFT index. There was significant correlation between dental health behavior and CPITN index. There was no significant correlation between dental health behavior and DMFT index. Conclusion: The present study indicates that there are high prevalence dental caries and periodontal diseases in this population, and is far away from the WHO goals for the year 2010.   Key words: Oral health, index, epidemiology