IADR Abstract Archives
Traumatic Dental Injuries Among 12- and 15-year-old Adolescents in the Republic of Moldova: Preliminary Results of the Pathfinder Study
Objectives: The aim of this pathfinder study was to determine the occurrence of dental trauma to permanent teeth among seventh and tenth grade Republic of Moldova schoolchildren.
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. School children were assessed in two different age groups: seventh grade (12 years old) and tenth grade (15 years old).
Results: Overall, 577 children were examined; 295 in the seventh grade and 282 in the tenth grade. Incompetent lips were observed in 57 children. Over-jet above 5 mm was found in 24 children. The prevalence of traumatic dental injuries was 12.13%. Out of all examined teeth, 82 were found to be injured; 28 in the seventh grade and 54 in the tenth grade. The most commonly affected teeth were upper central incisors. No avulsion case was reported in this cohort.
Conclusions: Dental trauma is common among school children in the Republic of Moldova. Preventive and educational programs should be adopted in order to reduce dental trauma and enhance protective measures utilization to help protect the dentition.
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. School children were assessed in two different age groups: seventh grade (12 years old) and tenth grade (15 years old).
Results: Overall, 577 children were examined; 295 in the seventh grade and 282 in the tenth grade. Incompetent lips were observed in 57 children. Over-jet above 5 mm was found in 24 children. The prevalence of traumatic dental injuries was 12.13%. Out of all examined teeth, 82 were found to be injured; 28 in the seventh grade and 54 in the tenth grade. The most commonly affected teeth were upper central incisors. No avulsion case was reported in this cohort.
Conclusions: Dental trauma is common among school children in the Republic of Moldova. Preventive and educational programs should be adopted in order to reduce dental trauma and enhance protective measures utilization to help protect the dentition.