The Effect of Radiographic Examination on the Oral Health Index

Objective: The aim of this study was to establish the effect of radiographic investigation on an individual’s oral health, as measured by the Oral Health Index (OHX). Method: Thirty patients, who had been prescribed comprehensive radiographs at Birmingham Dental Hospital and School, were examined by a research associate. The patients were all given an OHX based on their clinical examination alone. Their radiographs were then examined and their OHX modified, where appropriate, according to the radiographic findings. The OHX pre-radiographs were compared with the OHX post-radiographs. Results: For most patients there was close agreement between the two OHX scores calculated with and without radiographic evidence. Including the evidence from the radiographic examination resulted in a reduction in OHX score for 19 out of 30 cases, but for most of these subjects the reduction was small (around 2%). There did not appear to be any evidence to suggest a relationship between the oral health index and the effect of inclusion of radiographs on the OHX. The patients whose OHX score reduced on inclusion of radiographic evidence had scores of between 50% and 85%. Conclusion: For the majority of patients, including evidence from the radiographic examination led to a small reduction in the OHX. The support of the Department of Health is acknowledged.