Caries Prevalence in Korean Children and Adolescents from 2000 to 2012

Objectives: National oral health data is required to assess a population's oral health needs, monitor oral health, plan effective intervention community programs and health policies, and evaluate progress toward health objectives. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence, severity, and inequality in dental caries distribution among Korean young people. Study Design: Trained, calibrated examiners at the Korea Ministry of Health & Welfare conducted epidemiological surveys in 2000, 2006, and 2012 during which dental caries were assessed according to World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria. Decayed, missing, and filled surface and tooth (DMFS/DMFT) indices were estimated. Results: DMFT indices decreased in all regions between 2000 and 2012, with values of 3.3, 2.2, and 1.8 for 12-year-old children in 2000, 2006, and 2012, respectively. The prevalence of caries was higher among female versus male subjects and in rural versus urban areas. Conclusions: Despite the observed decrease in caries experience indicators in Korea, the caries prevalence remains considerably higher than that in European countries and than the targets set by WHO within the Health21 policy framework. Therefore, Korea apparently retains further potential for caries reduction. Community-based oral disease prevention programs are urgently needed to promote oral health.

Dental caries, Dental health surveys, Epidemiology, Evidence-based dentistry, Delivery of health care, Preventive dentistry

1. FDI World Dental Federation. FDI Vision 2020: a blueprint for the profession. Int Dent J 62: 277, 2012.

2. Barmes D.E. Indicators for oral health and their implications for devel-oping countries. Int Dent J 33: 60-66, 1983.

3. Bratthall D. Estimation of global DMFT for 12-year-olds in 2004. Int Dent J. 55: 370-372, 2005.

4. Kelly M.S.J., Nuttall N., Bradnock G., Morris J., Nunn J., Pine C., et al. Adult dental health survey: oral health in the United Kingdom, 1998. Stationery Office, London; 2000.

5. Pitts N, Harker R. Obvious decay experience. In: Children’s dental health in the United Kingdom, 2003. Stationery Office, London; 2004.

6. British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry. BASCD Survey Report 2005/2006. BASCD, London; 2007 [cited 2008 Sep 25]. Available from: www.bascd.org/annual_survey_results.php.

7. Walker A., Gregory J., Bradnock G., Nunn J. and White D. National diet and nutrition survey: young people aged 4-18 years. 2: report of the oral health survey. HMSO, London; 2000.

8. Hinds K. and Gregory J. National Diet and Nutrition Survey: Children aged 1.5 to 4.5 years. 2: Report of the dental survey. HMSO, London; 1995.

9. Hugoson A., Koch G., Bergendal T., Hallonsten A.L., Slotte C., Thor-stensson B., et al. Oral health of individuals aged 3-80 years in Jönköping, Sweden in 1973, 1983, and 1993. II. Review of clinical and radiographic findings. Swed Dent J 19: 243-260, 1995.

10. Lauris J.R., da Silva Bastos R. and de Magalhaes Bastos J.R. Decline in dental caries among 12-year-old children in Brazil, 1980-2005. Int Dent J 62: 308-314, 2012.

11. Renson C.E. Changing patterns of oral health and implications for oral health manpower. Int Dent J 35: 235-251, 1985.

12. Marthaler T.M., O’Mullane D.M. and Vrbic V. The prevalence of dental caries in Europe 1990-1995. Caries Res 30: 237-55, 1996.

13. Glick M., da Silva O.M., Seeberger G.K., Xu T., Pucca G., Williams D. M., et al. FDI Vision 2020: shaping the future of oral health. Int Dent J 62: 278-291, 2012.

14. Gallagher J.E., Clarke W., Eaton K.A. and Wilson N.H. A question of value: a qualitative study of vocational dental practitioners’ views on oral health care systems and their future careers. Prim Dent Care 16: 29-37, 2009.

15. Armfield J.M. and Spencer A.J. Quarter of a century of change: caries experience in Australian children. 1977-2002. Aust Dent J 53: 151-159, 2008.

16. Colquhoun J. Dental caries among children in New Zealand. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 23: 381, 1995.

17. Al-Bluwi G.S. Epidemiology of dental caries in children in the United Arab Emirates. Int Dent J 64: 219-228, 2014.

18. Gökalp S.G., Doğan B.G., Tekçiçek M.T., Berberoğlu A. and Unlüer S. National survey of oral health status of children and adults in Turkey. Community Dent Health 27: 12-17, 2010.

19. Watt R. and Sheiham A. Inequalities in oral health: a review of the evidence and recommendations for action. Br Dent J 187: 6-12, 1998.

20. Harrison J, Zwanenberg T van, editors. GP Tomorrow. Radcliffe Medical Press, Oxford, UK; 1998.

21. NHS Executive. A health service of all the talents: developing the NHS workforce. Consultation document on the review of workforce planning. NHS Executive, London; 2000.