The Prevalence of Dental Caries Among Students Aged 12-15 Years in Vientiane, Laos
Fongsamod Daoungnuvong, Keopasert Koundavan, Chanvilay Soukasrum, Soulideth Inthakhone, Malathip KiTamorlada, and Viengsavanh Inthakoun*
ABSTRACT
The Aim of this Study: To Describe the prevalence of dental caries among students aged 12–15 years at Sikhay secondary School, Sikhottabong District, and Salakham secondary School, Hatsaifong District, Vientiane Capital.
Methodology: This Cross-sectional study descriptive study was conducted over a specific period to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and oral hygiene practices affecting dental caries among students aged 12–15 at Sikhay secondary School, Sikhottabong District, and Salakham secondary, Hatsaifong District, Vientiane Capital. Data were collected using questionnaires and clinical oral health examinations of the entire sample group.
Results: The study included a total of 452 students, consisting of 272 students from Sikhay secondary School (157 females (57.7%) and 115 males (42.3%) and 180 students from Salakham secondary School (91 females (50.6%) and 89 males (49.4%). The largest age group was 15 years old (135 students, 29.9%), followed by 14 years old (113 students, 25%), with the 13-year-old group being the smallest (98 students, 21.7%). Regarding clinical oral examination results revealed that students at Sikhay secondary School had a DMFT index of 2.18, while students at Salakham secondary School had a DMFT index of 1.96.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that students at Sikhay secondary School, Sikhottabong District, and Salakham secondary School, Hatsaifong District, prevent dental caries.
