The oral health status of Omani 12-year-olds--a national survey

Abstract

This study reports the first ever national oral health survey of Omani 12-year-olds. Conducted in October 1993, of the 3,435 children examined, 1,438 (41.9%) were caries-free, although regional variations ranged from 24.8% to 61.9%. Overall, the national DMFT averaged 1.53, the majority of caries experienced being in the form of untreated decay, with occlusal surfaces of first permanent molars being the most commonly involved site. Oral hygiene was poor, only 11% of those examined being scored as plaque-free.