The 80-20 phenomenon (80:20 distribution of caries)--myth or fact.

For the past decade the phrase '80% of caries experience is found in 20% of the population' has been repeated so frequently, including by respected academics, that it has become accepted as fact by many in the dental profession. But is it a true representation of the state of dental health in the UK population, or an unsubstantiated convenient statement? Epidemiological data do not support the assertion.