Periodontal Status Among Adolescence in the Republic of Moldova: Preliminary Results of the Pathfinder Study

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the current periodontal status among 15-year-old children in Republic of Moldova.
Methods: A pathfinder study was planned and executed according to the WHO recommendations. Periodontal indices were recorded by calibrated examiners in 3 large cities (the capital and 2 other large cities) representing mainly the Moldavian population and in 4 villages around the country. Tenth grade (15 years old) school children were assessed: Plaque, calculus and bleeding on probing were evaluated dichotomously. Probing depth was measured using a CP-11.5B PSR Screening Probe.
Results: Overall, 282 children were examined. Of the studied population, 164 were females and 122 were males. Plaque was evidenced in 207 (73.4%) children; in 93 (44.9%) children plaque was evidenced on all the examined teeth. Calculus was evidenced in 116 (41.1%) children. Probing pocket depth of 5mm and above was detected in 81 participants (28.7%). Fifteen (18.3%) children presented with more than 3 sites with PD>5mm. Bleeding on probing was recorded in 83 (29.4%) children. The most prevalent teeth to present pocket depth of 5mm and above were the maxillary molars while the most prevalent teeth to present bleeding on probing were the mandibular incisors.
Conclusions: Periodontal diseases seem to be prevalent in the Republic of Moldova. Further research will be needed to assess the nature and severity of the problem. Prevention program should be adopted in order to improve periodontal health among children in Republic of Moldova.