The Dynamics of the Dental Incidence of the Child Population of Yekaterinburg

Abstract

Subject. Epidemiological surveys are important for assessing the compliance of dental programs with the treatment needs of various population groups. 
 Objectives ― we set a goal to compare the dynamics of indicators of epidemiological surveys of dental diseases in the city of Ekaterinburg over the past 15 years. 
 Methods. After analyzing reports and publications on the WHO methodology, a high prevalence and intensity of caries and signs of periodontal damage was noted, they deteriorate with age. The reduction in the incidence of dental diseases that began in 2008 did not persist in 2015. The change in the social and demographic structure of the children's population of Yekaterinburg is accompanied by an increase in rates of dental diseases. Estimating the proportion of people with signs of periodontal diseases in children 12 and 15 years compared with the results of a previously conducted national epidemiological study in 2008, we do not see a decrease in the prevalence rate of periodontal diseases. An assessment of the need for emergency dental care in children of Yekaterinburg of 6, 12 and 15 years according to the WHO criteria showed a high level of need for “preventive or conventional treatment” in all groups of children examined. 
 Conclusions. The high prevalence of dental diseases in the city of Ekaterinburg indicates the need to find preventive measures. The increase in the intensity of caries is especially active in children of school age, which requires development of a comprehensive program of school prevention. The absence of a reduction in the prevalence rate of periodontal lesions in adolescents in all 3 national surveys suggests the need to find new approaches in prevention, including use of Smart Technologies.