Caries Experience Based on A Simulated Epidemiological Screening and Routine Examination with Radiographs

Abstract

Purpose: To assess and compare caries experience based on an epidemiological “screening” examination and a routine examination with radiographs. Methods: 128 patients ages 5 to 10 years were included. An initial examination was done by a pediatric dentist in conditions simulating an epidemiological screening assessment. A second evaluation was done by eight postgraduate pediatric dental resident who conducted a routine clinical exam of the patient in the dental chair including radiographs. Results: By the epidemiological screening, the prevalence of untreated dental caries (Y/N) in primary and/or permanent teeth was 50% and the caries experience was 77%. After the routine examination with radiographs, the prevalence of untreated dental caries was 74.22% and caries experience was 90%. The severity of untreated dental caries was 2.0 and 3.9, and the severity of caries experience was 3.2 and 5.6 by the simulated epidemiological screening and routine examination with radiographs, respectively.