Quality of dental restorations and dental treatment in Dutch schoolchildren

Abstract

The quality of dental restoration and treatment need have been defined and investigated in a survey of primary schoolchildren in the Netherlands. Measurements were made using respectively a quality of dental restorations index and a dental treatment index. A statistical analysis was carried out on these data. Six criteria were used to classify the technical quality of restorations. Quality was analysed in relation to the child's region of residence and the type of dental professional regularly visited. Three other variables were also considered to be relevant in the analysis; the size of the restorations (one or more surface fillings), the child's age, and whether the restorations were polished (finished) or not. An overall index to measure the intrinsic quality of dental restorations (QDRI) based upon five qualitative criteria was constructed. A proportional dental treatment index (DTI) was developed on the basis of sets of fillings placed and fillings needed.