Abstract

OBJECTIVE

Oral health, although very critical in childhood period is amongst the neglected issues. Oral health problems are more prevalent in socioeconomically disadvantaged groups of the population. The aim of this study is to evaluate the oral health status regarding, prevalence of dental carries and DMF-T values and the associated socioeconomic factors among 6. and 7. grade students of Kemalpaşa district in Izmir City.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study has been executed among 6. and 7. grade students. A total of 832 students were evaluated. (624 in urban primary schools, 208 in rural primary schools). Dental carries and DMF-T score were the dependent variables.. Age, sex, school type, wealth status, mother's and father’s education, health insurance, father’s occupation were the independent variables. The univariate analysis were performed with Chi-square test, the multivariate analysis were performed by the logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Among the students 60.3% had at least one dental carries in their permanent teeth.The mean DMF-T score is 1.55 in the study population. The risk of dental carries in the permanent teeth increases 2.00 times (1.10-3.66) in students of the rural schools, 1.64 times (1.06-2.54) in low wealth status, 1.95 times (1.10-3.48) in students who have low educated mothers. The risk of having a DMF-T score above zero increases 2.06 times (1.12-3.81) for students who have educated mothers

CONCLUSION

The oral health status of the students show the need for treatment and prevention is at an important level. Low education status of mother, low wealth status, unemployment of the father and attending an urban primary school are the socioeconomic variables associated with oral health problems. Oral health services which should include preventive and therapeutic measures must aim to cover all children as well as pertaining a service approach weighted according to risk groups should be given at schools and primary health care centers.