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

Abstract

Purpose: To assess and compare caries experience in 5-10-year-old children based on an epidemiological “screening” examination and a routine examination with radiographs. Methods: One hundred and twenty eight patients were examined in conditions simulating epidemiological screening and routine examination with radiographs. Results: Caries experience and untreated dental caries were higher by the routine examination with radiographs than the simulated epidemiological screening. There were no statistically significant differences between groups for all but one of the sociodemographic variables, the younger children had more untreated dental caries than the older children group. Conclusion: There is a difference in the prevalence and severity of untreated carious lesions and overall caries experience detected by epidemiological screening vs. routine examination with radiographs. Differences in prevalence and severity are not associated with sociodemographic characteristics but one variable. In our study, untreated dental caries teeth were underestimated by 23.4% and caries experience was underestimated to 13.3%.