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Objective:
The study was conducted to know the prevalence of dental caries and corresponding treatment needs
amongst 1-16 years old children who came to Kantipur dental college and hospital for their dental
treatment.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 1253 children were examined, caries along with its treatment needs were recorded according
to World Health Organization index.The sample consisted of 177, 592 and 484 children in the age
groups of 1-5, 6-11 and 12-16 years respectively.
Result:
The prevalence of dental caries found in the study samples are , the mean Decayed missing and filled
teeth (DMFT)= 3.5,the prevalence and mean DMF in age group of 1-5, 6-11 and 12-16 years were
22% (DMFT=4.9), 54% (DMFT=3.6) and 24% (DMFT=2.0) respectively. The point prevalence of
dental caries showed a common pattern of occurrence i.e., the prevalence of dental caries consistently
increased from age groups1-5 years to 6-11 years and subsequently decreased at age group12-16
years. Treatment needs evaluated the need of restoration was the maximum followed by extraction,
RCT/pulpectomy and oral prophylaxis.
Conclusion:
There was high prevalence of untreated caries and treatment needs among the children who came to
Kantipur dental college. In spite of increased number of dental facilities available nowadays, caries
is yet not under control and there is need for implementation of dental health programes, preventive
programs and creating awareness amongst the public about dental health measures.

Dental caries, DMF teeth, prevalence, primary dentition, permanent dentition, treatment needs