Screening tools to prioritize routine dental care in an institutional environment

OBJECTIVE: This study examines whether self-rated oral health is a suitable screening tool to detect dental caries and periodontal pockets, by itself and in combination with other self-reported health indicators, at the entry point of an institutional system for routine dental care. METHODS: Eight dentists recorded the clinical oral health status of a diverse adult sample (#n = 483) demanding routine dental examinations from a military health maintenance organization in South Africa (July 1999 to December 2000). Additionally, subjects reported their smoking status and rated their general and oral health by using a 4-point Likert scale (excellent, good, fair, or poor). RESULTS: Self-rated oral health in combination with self-reported smoking and self-rated general health were associated with the majority of decayed teeth and periodontal pockets in subjects demanding routine dental examinations. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that self-rated oral health in combination with self-reported smoking can be a useful screening tool to prioritize routine dental care in an institutional environment.