title: The 80-20 phenomenon (80:20 distribution of caries)--myth or fact.
abstract: For the past decade the phrase '80% of caries experience is found in 20% of the population' has been repeated so frequently, including by respected academics, that it has become accepted as fact by many in the dental profession. But is it a true representation of the state of dental health in the UK population, or an unsubstantiated convenient statement? Epidemiological data do not support the assertion.
authors.affiliation: Pasley Road Dental Clinic, Pasley Road, Eyres Monsell, Leicester, LE2 9BU. christopher.dugmore@mrh-pct.nhs.uk
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Dugmore
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology