title: Relationship between laser fluorescence values and visual evaluation of fissure caries in schoolchildren - a field study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In our previous study of oral health intervention in children, laser fluorescence (LF) values of occlusal surfaces were reduced after 1 year.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between DIAGNOdent pen values and clinical status of the occlusal surfaces.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study conducted in 2007 and 2008 in 700 children aged 13-14 included a clinical examination and LFpen measurement of the occlusal surfaces of first and second molars. Four teams consisting of a dental hygienist and a dental nurse performed the examinations on school premises. The dental hygienist scored the surfaces using the Nyvad criteria for caries assessment; the surfaces were then scanned using a DIAGNOdent pen(®) device.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The more severe the visual caries category was, the higher the mean LFpen values were. Correlation coefficients between LF values and NY categories were 0.542 and 0.408 in years 2007 and 2008, respectively (all examiners combined). The LFpen values of active and inactive lesions did not differ significantly.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The correlation between the mean LFpen values and the NY categories was significant. Fissures can be reliably examined with LF and by visual inspection on school premises if certain special arrangements are made.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Dentistry, Department of Pedodontics, Cariology and Endodontology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland. liisa.seppa@oulu.fi
authors.forename: Liisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Seppä
authors.forename: Vuokko
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Anttonen
authors.forename: Ahti
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Niinimaa
authors.forename: Hannu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hausen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003732:Dental Caries Activity Tests / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000473:pathology*; D003750:Dental Fissures / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005453:Fluorescence; D006801:Humans; D008963:Molar; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012571:School Dentistry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity