DMFT index comparison in Indian and Iranian students in Bangalore�-a cross sectional study

Abstract

Dental caries is the most prevalent disease of the oral cavity posing a greater threat to health throughout the world. It occurs in all age groups and in both genders. There is a recent raise in the occurrence of dental caries the prevalence of which is different worldwide. Owing to various factors immigrants may be at a higher risk of diseases including dental caries. Iranian students form a crux of educational system in Bangalore whose general health and oral health needs to be monitored. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using 250 Indian students and 250 Iranian students. A wellstructured questionnaire was distributed among 500 students. Results: The answers from the questionnaire were scored and entered into excel sheets and submitted for statistical analysis. The results obtained were presented as cumulative percentile and the DMFT index of Indian and Iranian students was analyzed using ANOVA test showed a p value of 0.05. Interpretation and Conclusion: DMFT index of Indian and Iranian students showed that more emphasis was given to restorative measures than preventive measures due to lack of knowledge.