Comparison of Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment Needs Index with Def Index in Measuring Dental Caries Among 2–6-Year-Old Schoolchildren

Abstract

Background: Decayed, missing, and filled teeth and def indices are the preferred choices for dental caries quantification. Lacunae in earlier caries indices led to Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment Needs Index (CAST) development. CAST index measures caries experience of a single tooth and overall dentition in a hierarchical level of caries severity. Aim: This study aimed to compare CAST and def indices in measuring dental caries among 3–6-year-old school children in and around Bhimavaram town, Andhra Pradesh, India. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted. A single examiner conducted survey among 898 3–6-year-old school children at randomly selected schools. Caries experience was recorded in a structured pro forma using CAST and def indices. Descriptive statistical analysis was done. Inter- and intragroup comparisons were made by Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA and Mann–Whitney U–tests, respectively. Correlation between def and CAST indices was explored by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Results: Caries prevalence with CAST index (45.7%) was marginally higher compared with def index (44.7%). No statistically significant difference was found between mean deft scores measured with CAST and def index (P = 0.87). High statistically significant difference in mean def scores with def index and def component of CAST index for 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-year age groups was observed (P < 0.001). A strong correlation in measuring dental caries (P < 0.001) and similar percentage of agreement for application (98.5%) was observed between both the indices. Conclusion: No statistically significant difference was found in measuring caries experience indicating the similarity between CAST and def indices in quantifying dental caries. CAST index provides more detailed information of caries prevalence, experience, and severity compared with def index.