Prevalence of dental caries and treatment needs among 12-year-old school going children in Vadodara City, Gujarat, India: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Epidemiological studies may be of value in assessing the prevalence of disease and in analyzing possible factors influencing the disease pattern. Hence, the present study was carried out to assess the dental caries prevalence and treatment needs among 12-year-old school going children in Vadodara city, Gujarat, India. Materials and Methods: A total of 1539; 12-year-old school going children attending both private as well as government schools were selected by applying stratified random sampling methodology. Data collection was performed by applying World Health Organization 1997 survey methodology. Chi-square test, unpaired t- test and multiple logistic regressions at 5% level of significance were used for statistical analysis. Results: Prevalence of dental caries was found to be of 17.15%. Higher prevalence of dental caries was observed among females and among the children attending government schools. Majority of the subjects had untreated decayed component. Predominant treatment need was one surface filling. Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries among the study subject was found to be low. Untreated caries indicates that preventive and restorative treatment needs were high. Dental and dietary habits are likely to increase this prevalence; hence there is a need for continuous monitoring and implementing preventive and restorative programs.