Oral health and treatment needs among 15-year-olds in Tehran, Iran

Objectives To study oral health status and treatment need among 15-year-olds ill Tehran, Iran in relation to their parents' level of education. Methods A cross-sectional study based oil the WHO criteria. was carried out in 2004 among 15-year-olds (n=506) in Tehran. Data collection was by a self-administered questionnaire and a clinical dental examination to assess dental caries, periodontal conditions and orthodontic treatment needs. Results Mean DMFT was 2.1 (95%CI=1.9, 2.4). which comprised DT=0.9, MT=0.2, and FT=1.0. The mean SiC index was 5.2 (95%CI=4.8, 5.5). Mean numbers of sextants with PI scores 0, 1, and 2 were 0.6, 11, and 3.3 respectively. and with CPI scores 0.1. and 2. were 2.1. 3.5 and 0.4 respectively Need for caries (DT>0) treatment existed in 40%,, of subjects, for scaling (CPI=2) in 24%. for oral hygiene instructions in 100%, and for orthodontic treatment in 26%. Subjects with caries and dental plaque were fewer among those whose parents had a high level of education (p<0.05). Presence of dental plaque was associated with DT>0 (OR=1.8, p=0.01) and CPI>0 (OR=11.2. p<0.001). Conclusion Poor level of oral hygiene among the present 15-year-olds calls for school-based oral health promotion activities focusing oil oral self-care.