Assessing caries status according to the CAST instrument and WHO criterion in epidemiological studies

Abstract

BackgroundThe Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) is a new epidemiological instrument for detection and treatment of dental caries. Worldwide, the WHO criterion constitutes the epidemiological tool most commonly used for caries detection. The objective of the present study is to determine the levels of similarity and difference between the CAST instrument and WHO criterion on the basis of caries prevalence, dmf/DMF counts, examination time and reporting of results.MethodsAn epidemiological survey was carried out in Brazil among 6-11-year-old schoolchildren. Time of examinations was recorded. dmft, dmfs, DMFT and DMFS counts and dental caries prevalence were obtained according to the WHO criterion and the CAST instrument, as well the correlation coefficient between the two instruments.ResultsFour hundred nineteen children were examined. dmft and dmfs counts were 1.92 and 5.31 (CAST), 1.99 and 5.34 (WHO) with correlation coefficients (r) of 0.95 and 0.93, respectively. DMFT and DMFS counts were 0.20 and 0.33 (CAST), 0.19 and 0.30 (WHO), with r = 0.78 and r =0.72, respectively. Kappa coefficient values for intra-examiner consistency were CAST = 0.91-0.92; WHO = 0.95-0.96 and those for inter-examiner consistency were CAST = 0.90-0.96; WHO = 0.94-1.00. Mean time spent on applying CAST and WHO were 66.3 and 64.7 sec, respectively p = 0.26. The prevalence of dental caries using CAST (codes 2, 5-8) and the WHO criterion for the primary dentition were 63.0% and 65.9%, respectively, and for the permanent dentition they were 12.7% and 12.8%, respectively.ConclusionsThe CAST instrument provided similar prevalence of dental caries values and dmf/DMF counts as the WHO criterion in this age group. Time spent on examining children was identical for both caries assessment methods. Presentation of results from use of the CAST instrument, in comparison to WHO criterion, allowed a more detailed reporting of stages of dental caries, which will be useful for oral health planners.

Patterns of dental caries among school children assessed using Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment tool

“…[4718] Utilizing/employing the CAST tool, a simple numerical value can reflect/reflects the precise stage of caries evaluated clinically or through radiographs which can easily be documented in the clinical notes of the patient. This can bridge any gaps in the existing PHI system.…”

Prevalence of dental caries in male children from 3 to 14 years of age of Bundelkhand region

“…Desouza et al found that there was no significant difference in the caries status of children of 6-11 years whether assessed by CAST instrument or by WHO criterion. 14 High level of dental caries may be due to decrease literacy rate particularly maternal literacy, improper brushing technique including the usage/non-usage of tooth paste, nutritional status of children, frequent consumption of sweets and not rinsing their mouth after consuming eatables. 15 Present study is undertaken in specific gender and in limited age group which limits the study to certain extent.…”

Caries Experience in Children with and without Molar-Incisor Hypomineralisation: A Case-Control Study

“…CAST codes were converted into DMFT/dmft [de Souza et al, 2014]. Caries prevalence and the mean dmft/DMFT were calculated for cases and controls.…”