PREVALENCE OF DENTAL CARIES AND TREATMENT NEEDS OF 6-13 YEAR OLD SCHOOL CHILDREN OF EASTERN NEPAL

Caries prevalence in the school children of various socio-economic status in the eastern region of Nepal of age group 6-13 years was
determined. Aims: The study was carried out with the aim to identify and establish the prevalence of dental caries and treatment needs
in children aged 6-13 year old. Methods and materials: The study was undertaken in the eastern region of Nepal with a sample
population of 2,500 children in the age group of 6-13 years. Caries prevalence was recorded using DMFS/dmfs and treatment need
index. WHO indices were used for recording caries and treatment needs. Results: The caries prevalence in the 6-9 years age group was
found to be 76.35% whereas in age group of 10-13 years was 64.55%. In male to female ratio in relation to dental caries, prevalence
was higher in males. High socio-economic group children suffered more from carious lesion as well as those residing in the urban
areas. Conclusion: The present study concludes prevalence of dental caries is high in 6-9 year age group at age of 7 year as is
compared to 10 year in 10-13 year age group. Children in high socio-economic status showed higher prevalence of dental caries. Upon
investigating treatment needs among these children, they showed need of one surface restoration followed by two-surface restoration,
crown, pulp therapy and extractions.