Document Type : Original Articles

Abstract

Introduction: Collecting data on the prevalence of dental caries in a community has a great role in planning for oral health. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dental caries in 12-19 year-old schoolchildren in Isfahan. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken on 810 students aged 12-19, divided into three age groups: 12-14 year-olds (n=257), 14-17 year-olds (n= 279) and 17-19 year-olds (n=274). A stratified two-stage sampling procedure was used to select subjects from student lists in different districts of Isfahan. All the students were examined to determine DMFT index using the WHO criteria by calibrated examiners. Demographic data was recorded. Data was analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient (α = 0.05). Results: Mean DMFT values in the 12-14, 14-17, and 17-19 age groups were 2.84 ± 2.4, 4.88 ± 3.4 and 6.28 ± 3.9, respectively. There were significant differences in mean DT, FT and DMFT values between the different age groups (p value < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in missing teeth means between the groups (p value = 0.11). There was a significant association between FT means and the parents’ job and educational status. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that DMFT scores of adolescents are higher than global goal set for the year 2000. To achieve these standards, it is vital to establish comprehensive oral health promotion programs in children and adolescents and revise the oral health care delivery system in Isfahan.   Key words: Adolescents, Dental caries, DMFT, Epidemiology.