Comparative evaluation of caries prevalence among group of Egyptian adolescence using DMFS and ICDASII methods: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background to compare and describe outcomes regarding the prevalence of dental caries among group of Egyptian students using two caries assessment indices; DMFS and ICDAS II. Methods This descriptive, cross-sectional study included 2760 school students with age range from 15–18 years. Participants were selected randomly from public secondary schools in the Great Cairo, Egypt. The examinations were achieved by 6 trained and previously calibrated examiners using a diagnostic mirror, compressed air and a WHO probe. Two different methods of caries detection were used; DMFS index and ICDAS II system. In DMFS index; the number of decayed (D), missing (M) and filled (F) surfaces was recorded. In the ICDAS II, the assessment of both cavitated and non-cavaitated carious, missed and teeth with restorations /sealants was recorded. Examiners performed the oral examination for both scoring systems in an alternating manner. Data were collected and subsequently analyzed. Results The prevalence of dental caries among secondary school students in the Great Cairo was (69.56%) and (78.29%) for DMFS and ICDAS II, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the DMFS and ICDAS II methods regarding the recorded number of caries affected teeth and cavitated teeth surfaces. Conclusions The prevalence of dental caries among Egyptian adolescent is high. ICDAS scoring system revealed higher caries prevalence values than DMFS method. ICDAS method is the best choice for the preventive goals, while DMFS is sufficient for clinical goals.