Dental health of 12-year-olds in Israel-2002

Abstract

Objective: To gather epidemiological information on caries prevalence and treatment needs of Israeli 12-year-olds.

Research design: Prevalence survey of a representative sample of 12-year- olds examined according to WHO Oral Health Survey methods.

Results: The mean DMFT was 1.66 (DT = 0.91, MT = 0.03 FT = 0.72), a 40% decline since the previous national survey in 1989. DT and DMFT were lower amongst males (p < 0.01). There were no differences between urban and rural communities. Arab subjects had a higher prevalence, higher DT, MT and DMFT (p < 0.01), but lower FT than the Jewish subjects. In fluoridated areas, the mean DMFT was 1.39 compared to 1.83 in the non-fluoridated areas (p < 0.01). SiC (Significant Caries Index which shows the average DMFT of the third of the population with the highest DMFT) was found to be 4.31.

Conclusions: Caries prevalence has declined among 12-year-olds in Israel. However, 53.9% of the children still suffer from caries at this age. There are wide dental health disparities.