Abstract
Background and aims. Many children still face active and uncontrolled dental caries and data is
needed for evaluating the situation in many parts of the country. The aim of the present survey was to
evaluate the oral health of the young population of Ahwaz, Iran in 2005.
Materials and methods. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 600 15-year-old students were selected
randomly. Data was gathered with clinical examination and a questionnaire, collecting data of
DMFT of first permanent molars, OHI-S, oral hygiene and nutrition habits, and parents’ education. Statistical
analysis was performed by descriptive statistics and t-test.
Results. Mean DMFT of first permanent molars was 1.84 ± 1.54, with a higher value seen among girls.
Mean decayed teeth component was 1.56, followed by filled (0.17) and missing (0.1) components. Higher
DMFT values were significantly associated with poor OHI-S score (P = 0.001).
Conclusion. The observed oral hygiene status among the 15-year-olds necessitates implementing preventive
as well as restorative measures to improve the oral health status of the young population.