The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have completed a survey examining what kind of oral health access schoolchildren in Dubai have.
For the survey, 5,617 students in the age groups of 5 to 6 years, 10 to 11 years, and 15 to 16 years from public and private schools underwent a screening program and clinical examinations carried out by DHA dentists and hygienists according to WHO criteria.
The survey utilized the DMF index (the number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth), a common method in oral epidemiology for assessing dental caries prevalence and dental treatment needs among populations.
Of the 5,617 students who took part in the survey, 1,939 were from government schools and 3,678 were from private schools. The next phase of this survey includes data analysis and preparing a report on the steps needed to improve oral hygiene of schoolchildren in Dubai. Knowledge and attitude regarding oral health among children assessments and prevention programs also are anticipated.
The screening program was conducted with two mobile dental buses, inaugurated by Dubai's leadership in 2012.
