A sample of 555 students from three geographically and socioculturally different areas within the Southern Highlands Province, between the ages of 12 and 15 years, was examined in June 1995 to assess the oral health status for planning, monitoring and evaluation purposes. The prevalence of dental caries was found to be 57%, with a DMFT (decayed, missing and filled teeth) score of 1.70 (+/- 2.25) with DT, MT and FT scores of 1.47, 0.12 and 0.10 respectively. 54% of students had active caries and 27% had a DMFT score more than 3. Gingivitis was prevalent among students and visible calculus was present in 35% of them. Only 29% were dentally fit and did not need treatment. About 3% needed some form of orthodontic treatment, and endodontic and cosmetic treatment were respectively needed in 3.5% and 2% of the children.
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