Although the WHO's Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) is used worldwide, there has been little use of this index in the United States. This study ascertains periodontal treatment needs and their socio-demographic determinants in the U.S. using data for approximately 11,500 persons aged 20-79 from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES III), 1988-94. CPITN was modified following the characteristics of the periodontal parameters collected by NHANES III. Principally, CPITN scores are based on measurements from two sites of every permanent tooth present in two randomly selected quadrants. At least 3% of the adult US population requires complex periodontal treatment, 90% need scaling and prophylaxis, and nearly 5% do not need periodontal treatment or oral hygiene instruction. A multivariate cumulative logistic model adjusting for socio-demographic factors and prior dental visit status indicates that being older, male, African-American, lower educated, or poor increases the likelihood of needing more complex periodontal treatment. These findings indicate that most American adults need some type of periodontal treatment. In addition, there is disparity in the distribution of need for periodontal treatment; persons from socially disadvantaged groups are more likely to present with more complex periodontal needs.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, a participant will be able to identify population characteristics that indicate increase periodontal treatment needs and to describe analytical procedures used to assess periodontal treatment needs of adult populations in the United States
Keywords: Oral Health Needs, Epidemiology
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.