Abstract
Background and Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of dental caries through the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index of students belonging to the three different education systems of Pakistan in order to ascertain the baseline statistics for the Pakistani student population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the year 2018 to record DMFT scores of students studying in madrassas, government and private schools of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. A total of 663 students underwent a DMFT evaluation by trained dentists following the consent of their parents. The results were analyzed by using one way ANOVA and post-hoc tests for comparing DMFT scores among the students of different school system using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 and a P-value of <0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Madrassa group of students had the best DMFT scores; mean DMFT of 1.2 ± 1.9 whereas private school students had a mean DMFT of 2.17 ± 2.9 and Government school children had a mean DMFT score of 2.09 ± 2.08. While comparing the DMFT scores of madrassa students with government and private school students, statistically significant results were observed. Conclusion: Although an acceptable DMFT score was obtained for each of the three education systems; madrassa, government and private schools; the DMFT scores were the lowest for the madrassa students indicating best dental health in them.
Highlights
The National Oral Health Program (NOHP) of India affirms that oral health is essential for general health and well-being of every individual and oral diseases are a major public health concern owing to their higher prevalence and their effects on the individual's quality of life.[1]
DMFT scores of n = 663 students were recorded from the three mentioned education systems of Pakistan
The overall mean DMFT score of current study population was 1.82 (SD ± 2.3) with around 58% having a DMFT scores of either 0 or 1. This shows that current study population had an overall acceptable dental health because lower DMFT score indicates better oral health
Summary
The National Oral Health Program (NOHP) of India affirms that oral health is essential for general health and well-being of every individual and oral diseases are a major public health concern owing to their higher prevalence and their effects on the individual's quality of life.[1]. Dental caries is the most common dental disease affecting individuals around the globe.[2]. The DMFT score has been used as a relevant tool in monitoring the severity and distribution trends of dental caries since 1938. It is used by the World Health Organization (WHO) for assessment of oral health by reflecting intensity or frequency of dental caries.[4]. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of dental caries through the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index of students belonging to the three different educational systems of Pakistan in order to ascertain the baseline statistics for the Pakistani student population
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
