Socioeconomic inequalities in school children through assessing dental caries status

Objective: To determine the effect of socioeconomic status on school children of private and government schools on dental caries Methodology: This study was carried out in Government and Private schools of Qasimabad, Hyderabad and included 339 school children who were examined from March 2015 to March 2016. All information regarding age, gender, socio economic status, were obtained through a questionnaire. Oral examination was performed to check dental caries. Results: According to distribution of filled teeth, no significant difference was found (p=0.208). In the government schools, decayed teeth were found significantly associated with poor socioeconomic status (p=0.001). In private schools, sound teeth were significantly noted in upper socioeconomic status and decayed teeth were significantly associated with middle socioeconomic status (p=0.001). In the government schools, missing and sound of teeth were found significantly associated with poor socioeconomic status (p=0.004). In private schools, sound teeth were significantly noted in upper socioeconomic status and decayed teeth were significantly associated with middle socioeconomic status (p=0.001). Conclusion: There was high prevalence of dental caries among school going children of both schools but slightly more in Government school children. Dental caries was not associated with socioeconomic status.