OBJECTIVES: We report on the baseline prevalence and severity of dental caries of children enrolled in the New Hampshire Head Start program during the 2007-2008 school year. METHODS: We selected a random cluster sample of 607 children aged 3-5 years attending 27 Head Start centers across the state. Four volunteer dentists provided oral examinations and determined the presence of untreated dental caries, caries experience, and treatment urgency. RESULTS: Overall, 40 percent of the participating children had experienced dental caries, and 31 percent had at least one untreated decayed tooth. Approximately 22 percent of the children had evidence of maxillary anterior caries, 23 percent were in need of dental care, and < 1 percent needed urgent care. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of dental caries is comparable with that reported by Head Start programs elsewhere. The prevalence of caries affecting maxillary anterior teeth is higher. Further studies should examine state-specific barriers to dental care among this population.
OBJECTIVES: We report on the baseline prevalence and severity of dental caries of children enrolled in the New Hampshire Head Start program during the 2007-2008 school year. METHODS: We selected a random cluster sample of 607 children aged 3-5 years attending 27 Head Start centers across the state. Four volunteer dentists provided oral examinations and determined the presence of untreated dental caries, caries experience, and treatment urgency. RESULTS: Overall, 40 percent of the participating children had experienced dental caries, and 31 percent had at least one untreated decayed tooth. Approximately 22 percent of the children had evidence of maxillary anterior caries, 23 percent were in need of dental care, and < 1 percent needed urgent care. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of dental caries is comparable with that reported by Head Start programs elsewhere. The prevalence of caries affecting maxillary anterior teeth is higher. Further studies should examine state-specific barriers to dental care among this population.
Authors: Asmaa Alkhtib; Aghareed Ghanim; Meredith Temple-Smith; Louise Brearley Messer; Marie Pirotta; Michael Morgan Journal: BMC Oral Health Date: 2016-08-18 Impact factor: 2.757
Authors: Peter Milgrom; Christine A Riedy; Philip Weinstein; Lloyd A Mancl; Gayle Garson; Colleen E Huebner; Darlene Smolen; Marilynn Sutherland Journal: BMC Oral Health Date: 2013-08-06 Impact factor: 2.757