Validation of Questionnaires in Screening for Restorative Treatment Need among 15-, 21-, and 40-year olds

Abstract

Introduction: This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the association between three age-specific questionnaires in three age groups and restorative dental treatment need. Materials and methods: Three separate questionnaires were designed on etiology of dental caries in different age groups. Randomly selected 15- (n = 36), 21- (n = 21), and 40-year-old (n = 45) subjects answered these questionnaires. Responses were compared to restorative treatment need (DT) according to the clinical oral examination, which calibrated examiner performed. Results: Responses to questionnaires were only indicative in prediction of restorative treatment need at individual level. Kappa values for 15-, 21-, and 40-year olds, between responses and restorative treatment need were 0.01, 0.44, and 0.33, respectively. Conclusion: The need for restorative care could plausible be screened with a questionnaire among the 21- and 40-year olds, but not among 15-year olds in a country with low caries prevalence. Further development of questionnaires and studies are needed.