Dental Disease Prevalence in a Rural Fijian Village

BACKGROUND: Lomawai village is located about 30km from Nadi. It is located on the costal side of Viti Levu, the biggest island. The 2004 Fiji national oral health survey show an alarming rate of dental disease. 88.3% of dental caries in primary teeth of 6 year olds and 79.3% in all other age group. The 35-64 year olds had poor periodontal condition and calculus in 67.1% of those assessed. Objectives: To obtain baseline data on dental caries and periodontal disease status. METHODS: A standard WHO form was used to conduct oral examinations on people who attended for dental screening at a community outreach program at the Lomowai village held over four days. Examiners were calibrated prior to this activity. RESULTS: 211 persons were screened representing 48 households. The 15-34 year old age category had the most attendees. The mean DMFT was 12teeth. CPITN was 2.93. Treatment provided included 172 restorations, 44 scaling sessions, 133 extractions; 31 oral examination with no treatment only with preventive procedures. Conclusion: The DMFT is higher than the national survey findings of 2004 (7.5). Aggressive preventive strategies need to be delivered among communities exposed to risk factors.