Analysis of the prevalence of dental diseases among students of Dagestan State Medical University.

Introduction: Dental caries and periodontal diseases are significant public health concerns worldwide. While developed nations have seen a decline in these diseases due to effective prevention programs, in areas like Dagestan, Russia, high dental morbidity persists due to diverse climatogeographical conditions and socio-economic challenges. Aim: This study aims to explore the prevalence of dental diseases among students in Dagestan and to devise a comprehensive set of preventive measures against dental caries. Materials and Methods: The research involved examining 235 students aged 17 to 21 from Dagestan State Medical University. These students were categorized based on the World Health Organization's age group recommendations. Dental examinations were conducted at the university's clinics, focusing on carious, filled, and extracted teeth. The study also assessed oral hygiene using the Fedorov and Volodkina hygienic index and employed vital staining for diagnosing initial caries. Results: The prevalence of dental caries was found to be 76.35 +/- 3.16%, with an intensity of 3.6 +/- 0.005. Other notable findings included enamel hypoplasia, dentofacial anomalies, and various periodontal diseases. A significant correlation was observed between the prevalence and intensity of caries and the age of students, with differences noted in comparison to other regions like Irkutsk. The study highlighted a gap in oral hygiene practices and knowledge among students. Conclusion: The study concludes that significant improvements in dental health, particularly in reducing caries, can be achieved through regular sanitary education, professional and individual oral hygiene. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive, multifaceted intervention strategies tailored to the unique environmental and socio-economic context of Dagestan.