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. 2006 Aug 26;201(4):197-8.
doi: 10.1038/sj.bdj.4813909.

The 80-20 phenomenon (80:20 distribution of caries)--myth or fact

C R Dugmore  1
Affiliations

The 80-20 phenomenon (80:20 distribution of caries)--myth or fact

C R Dugmore. Br Dent J. .

Abstract

For the past decade the phrase '80% of caries experience is found in 20% of the population' has been repeated so frequently, including by respected academics, that it has become accepted as fact by many in the dental profession. But is it a true representation of the state of dental health in the UK population, or an unsubstantiated convenient statement? Epidemiological data do not support the assertion.

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Comment in

  • The Pareto principle.
    Erridge P. Erridge P. Br Dent J. 2006 Oct 7;201(7):419. doi: 10.1038/sj.bdj.4814131. Br Dent J. 2006. PMID: 17031332 No abstract available.

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