Changes in the oral health of adolescents treated by the Finnish public dental services between the ages of 13 and 15 years.
Oral cavity health was monitored in 2422 young people aged 13-15 years attending four health centres in Finland between 1992 and 1995. Assessments were made in terms of DMF, D and CPITN indices at clinical examinations. Of those who had no carious teeth at the initial examination, 60% did not develop cavities during the whole period, whereas half of those who had at least two carious teeth at the initial examination developed at least three new carious teeth. The treatment time needed by the latter accounted for half of the total time expended by the researchers until the end of the period. Costs can be saved or new patients brought into the dental care system by reorganizing the treatment of the patients who suffer from abundant caries and by reducing the resources devoted to the treatment of healthy patients.
Utriainen
P
P
Seinäjoki Health Care Centre, Finland. seinajoen.terveyskeskus@co.inet.fi
Pahkala
K
K
Kentala
J
J
Laippala
P
P
Mattila
K
K
D000293:Adolescent; D017046:Cost Savings; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000453:epidemiology; D015276:Health Care Rationing; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009909:Oral Health; D010512:Periodontal Index; D011636:Public Health Dentistry / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors