Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Assessing Dental Caries Among Children

Objectives: To investigate the distribution of dental caries and its related variables at the individual and contextual level.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 1487 school going children aged 5-14 years attending a dental school in North-east India. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to elicit information on socio-economic, and behavioral variables from the participants. Dental caries status was assessed using the DMFT/deft index following World Health Organization criteria (1997) and the Care Index was used to determine access to dental services. Spatial analysis was done with the aid of ArcGIS 10.5 Software.
Results: Thematic maps were generated to map the distribution of dental caries. On the individual level, behavioral variables were associated with a better oral status. On the contextual level, no significant association was found with better caries experience. However, the maps showed that the central districts have better social and oral conditions than other districts.
Conclusions: Caries experience was associated with individual and contextual variables and also there was a disparity in the distribution of the disease. The generated geo-maps could help in formulating oral health promotion policies, supportive and preventive measures in area with high caries experience.