Oral health status in Slovak population of 15-year-old children

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries among 15-year-old children in Slovakia and to compare the results with previous similar studies. Method: A total of 257 fifteen-year-olds were examined in spring 2015 for caries prevalence according to WHO criteria. Results: The mean DMFT index was 3.49 (SD 3.2). There was a statistically significant relationship between the value of DMFT index and gender (for boys its value was 2.92, for girls 3.91). Conclusion: In our epidemiological study we detected the average value of DMFT of 15-year-old children to be 3.49. We are still failing to meet the goals about oral health status laid down by WHO till 2010. To find out the exact cause of the current state, as well as clarifying the trend in caries prevalence in the studied sample, further studies are needed. In order to improve the dental health situation of Slovak children, health authorities had to focus more on preventive oral health programs.