Caries prevalence in medical and dental students in Foca municipality

Abstract

Introduction: Caries is one of the oldest and most common human diseases and, as such, attracts attention of scientists and researchers worldwide. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine caries prevalence in the students of Dental and Medical Schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at School of Dentistry in Foca and included 340 students, 18-25 years of age. Caries prevalence was analyzed using DMFT index and its components. Results: The average DMFT values in the examined population of students was 12.8±4.7 with only one student with DMFT=0. Obtained results revealed that upper molars were most frequently affected by initial as well as deep caries (30.4%, 15.3% respectively) while anterior teeth were least affected (5.3% and 0.3% respectively). The greatest number of students had 1-3 amalgam restorations. Maxillary teeth from both anterior and posterior segments were most frequently restored with esthetic materials. DMFT index analysis showed that lower molars were among the most often extracted teeth (48.2%). Conclusion: High DMFT index values in the examined population is the results of inadequate organisation of dental healthcare service and inadequate preventive measures in specific socio-economic and medical conditions. .

Keywords

• caries
• epidemiology
• students