Oral health status of 3-9 year-olds in 2 Lao Provinces

Methods: Using a randomized cluster design with schools as the sampling units, 2 schools from a 2 provinces (Vientiane & Pakse) were selected. One hundred 3-9 year-olds from 2 province (Haiyon district, Vientiane province, male 34, female 16 / Banboung district, Pakse province, male 21, female 29)participated. One trained dentist performed the oral examination using the WHO examination criteria for caries. The interpersonal Kappa index of the examiner was 0.97.

Results: In Haiyon district, the df rate was 85.2% in the 3-5 year olds and 100% in the 6-9 year olds. In Banboung district, the df rate was 76% in the 3-5 year olds, 69% in the 6-9 year olds.

In Haiyon district, the dft index was 7.69(7.30 in the 3-5 yr olds, 8.30 in the 6-9 yr olds). In Banboung district, the dft index was 2.91(4.68 in the 3-5 yr olds, 2.81 in the 6-9 yr olds). Overall, the oral health status of the Haiyon district seemed to be worse than Banboung district.

Conclusions: Oral health status in these areas looks so bad, further descriptive studies of behavioral and social factors on oral health should be analyzed. Also, the public oral health program to prevent dental caries should be implemented in these areas.