Prevalence of dental caries in USAF family members age 3-15

This study was undertaken to determine the caries prevalence and restorative needs of United States Air Force (USAF) family members ages 3-15. Examinations were performed on 1802 USAF children at five bases. Indexes recorded were: Decayed, Missing, Filled Surfaces (DMFS) for permanent teeth; decayed, filled surfaces (dfs) for primary teeth; and a Dental Restorative Treatment Need Index. Results indicate an increase in the dfs and DMFS index with age, with more caries present in young children located overseas. No significant differences between children of officers and enlisted members were found. A higher dfs and DMFS index was found in other racial families as compared to blacks or whites. This study's overall population sample had a higher dfs index but lower DMFS index than the 1986-87 NIDR survey showed.