Methods: Preschool children were examined according to WHO Oral Health Survey methods, 4th edition.
Results: 28 local authorities out of 70 (14 Jewish and 14 Arab) participated in the survey. 1647 5-year-olds were surveyed; 35.3% of the children were caries free, the mean dmft was 3.31 ( dt=2.71, mt=0.11, ft=0.49 ), dt and dmft were lower amongst girls. Most of the children surveyed were from local authorities ranked as low-medium socio-economic level. Arab children had a higher caries prevalence, higher dt, mt and dmft (85.4%, 4.38, 0.14 and 4.85 respectively), but lower ft (0.33 vs 0.6 ) than Jewish.
Caries prevalence in local authorities with fluoridated water (0.7 ppm of fluoride in drinking water in last 5 years) was significantly lower (42% were caries free and dmft=2.79).
Conclusions: Dental caries is still most prevalent chronic disease amongst 5-year-old Israeli children. Children enter School Dental Service with high level of untreated dental disease. There is an urgent need for national preventive service for preschool children.