Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries Among Preschool Children in Johannesburg, South Africa.

PURPOSES: (1) To determine the prevalence of dental caries among preschool children in the metropolitan area of Johannesburg; (2) to determine the dental caries status and unmet treatment needs of four- to six-year-old children; (3) to compare their dmft/DMFT scores with the significant caries index (SiC) for similar age cohorts; and (4) to compare their dental caries prevalence with those of similar age cohorts, as reported in the National Children's Oral Health Survey (NCOHS). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 10 preschools. Stratified randomized sampling of the participating children was done and schools were stratified by regions. RESULTS: A total of 459 children, with a mean age of 4.8 years, were examined. The overall caries prevalence (CP) was 44 percent, with a mean dmft score of 2.3+/-3.4 (standard deviation [SD]). Among four- to five-year-old children, the CP was 49 percent (dmft 2.4 +/-3.4 SD versus 2.38 NCOHS, SiC=6.41; P<0.00001). The CP for six-year-old children was 51 percent (dmft 2.38, +/-3.4 SD versus 2.9 NCOHS, SiC = 5.35; P<0.00001). Ninety-seven percent of the children did not have their dental needs met. CONCLUSION: There is high caries prevalence among preschool children in Johannesburg.