Oral health status of 12-year-old novices in Bangkok.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the oral health status of 12-year-old novices in Bangkok; to provide data to compare with national level and data for planning and evaluation of oral health care program.


METHODS
A cross-sectional oral health survey was performed. The 98 novices aged 12 from temples in Bangkok were examined following WHO methodology and criteria. The data of oral health behavior was collected from questionnaires.


RESULTS
Clinical recordings of dental caries (DMFT scores) and periodontal (CPI scores 0, 1 or 2) according to WHO were analyzed. The mean DMFT score was 3.4 (DT= 2.8, MT= 0.3 and FT= 0.2). The caries experienced in novices was significantly higher than the average score of children in Thailand (DMFT = 1.6), and considered high according to WHO goal for the year 2000 (DMFT = 3). Thus the need for treatment, 72.4% needed 1-surface filling and 21.4% needed extraction. The periodontal disease prevalence was also high. CPI score 2 (gingivitis and calculus) was dominant for this participants (88.8%). According to the questionnaire, only 52% perceived their own dental problems. The important problems that they answered were food retention, halitosis and calculus. Furthermore nearly 90% reported that they visit dentist once a year or less.


CONCLUSIONS
Even though the caries and periodontal disease prevalence of all Thai children were considered low by WHO criteria, this study showed the high prevalence from this unique subject (the novice). Therefore, if progress is to be made toward increasing tooth retention and improving oral health in the priest and novice society, additional research in dental health services and disease prevention need to be undertaken in this specific group to elucidate the underlying causes that promote oral health disparity.
Subhakorn
Sermsiri
S
Dental Department, Priest Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.
Ploysangngam
Prapatsorn
P
Pongnarisorn
Nuchjaree
N
Jaturanon
Saeng
S
Chaisupamongkollarp
Somchai
S
D002016:Buddhism; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006293:Health Promotion; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009909:Oral Health; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand