Publication:

Evaluation and comparison of the oral health status of children in government and private schools between 6 to 9 years of age in Sangli city

Background To evaluate and compare the Oral health status of children in Government and Private schools between 6 TO 9 years of age in Sangli City

Methods Subjects were selected by Cluster Random Sampling and all students between 6 to 9 years of age from the selected schools were examined. Screening was done on the basis of WHO oral health assessment form for children (2013). Consent was taken from the parents or the concerned authorities prior to the examination of the children. The examination was carried out by one trained and calibrated investigator using a mouth mirror and CPI probe under natural daylight.

Results A total of 1000 children (500 governments and 500 private) were examined in the study. The estimates of non-carious teeth, carious teeth, enamel fluorosis and dental trauma between private and government school children were compared. There was significant difference found in non- carious tooth estimate (p=0.003) and carious teeth estimate (p=0.005). The children in private school had more non carious teeth (mean: 16.45) when compared to government children (mean: 15.89). Similarly, the children in private school had less amount of carious teeth (mean: 3.31) when compared to government children (mean: 3.84). There was no significant difference found with respect to fluorosis (p=0.683) and dental trauma (0.319) in the children of government and private schools.

Conclusions The prevalence of oral diseases was relatively less among children from private schools in comparison with those from government schools.