Naslov
Oral Health Indices and Obstacles to Dental Care Related to Demographic Features in Bosnian Children Aged Six

Autori
Arslanagić Muratbegović, Amra ; Marković, Nina ; Zukanović, Amila ; Kobašlija, Sedin ; Selimović Dragaš, Mediha ; Jurić, Hrvoje

Izvornik
Collegium antropologicum (0350-6134) 34 (2010), 3; 1027-1033

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
dmft; first permanent molars; children; oral health; Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sažetak
The main aim of this paper is to present epidemiological indicators of oral health among six-year olds in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH) and to analyze values of dmft index and dental treatment needs in order to identify differences in access to health care in different parts of the country. Another aim is to identify the needs from the public oral health care system in Bosnia and Herzegovina related to early permanent dentition by analyzing the condition of first permanent molars (FPM) as an indicator of oral health of permanent dentition. Survey was carried out in 2004 in 8 cantons of the Federation of BH (FBH) and in the Republic of Srpska (RS). Final sample included 560 examinees aged six. One dental team clinically examined all examinees according to WHO methodology and criteria. The parameters used were: dmft index, DMFT index of first permanent molars (FPM), presence of sealants and treatment needs. A questionnaire about oral health habits had been administered. Dmft was 6.71 in that the d-component constituted the major part of the index. DMFT index of FPM was 0.61 (SD±1.08). Percentage of caries free examinees aged 6 was 6.8%. Average number of FPM with fissure sealents in BH was 0.25 (SD±0.78). Significant demographic differences in dmft index, DMFT FPM and treatment needs were identified. Most examinees (48.5%) had their first dental visit between the ages of five and seven. National oral health goal for Bosnia and Herzegovina should be to develop and implement disease prevention programs based on education of both parents and dental practitioners. It is necessary to improve access to dental care and shift focus from curative to preventive procedures. It is also necessary to set real goals for improvement of oral health which can be achieved within a desired time frame, as well as to precisely define measures to be taken.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Dentalna medicina

POVEZANOST RADA