AIM: To Assess of dental caries status among 12-15 year old school children according to CAST instrument and WHO criterion in Bangalore city.
Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 209 school children aged 12-15 years in Bangalore city. DMFT (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth) counts were obtained according to the WHO criterion and the CAST instrument. Total time for examination was recorded. Descriptive statistics, t test and correlation was done using SPSS version 19.
Results: Out of 209 school children examined, majority of them were in the age group of 14 years. Mean DMFT was found to be 1.17±1.89 for CAST index and 0.29±0.78 for WHO criterion and it was statistically significant (p<0.05). However there was significant difference in mean time consumed for applying both criteria. [WHO=35.39±3.77, CAST=66.86±3.15, (p=0.001)]
Conclusion: The CAST instrument provided similar DMF counts as the WHO criterion in all age groups. Time spent on examining children was less for WHO criterion when compared with CAST instrument. Presentation of results from use of the CAST instrument, in comparison to WHO criterion, allowed a more detailed reporting of stages of dental caries, which will be useful for oral health planners.
