Prevalence of Dental Caries and Treatment Needs in Tibetan Monks and Nuns in Karnataka

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental caries and treatment needs among Tibetan monks and nuns in Bylakuppe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, stratified random sampling was used to obtain desired sample for the study. The clinical examination was carried out to obtain data regarding dental caries status and treatment needs using World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Assessment Pro forma 1997. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program, version 20.0. The data were statistically analyzed by using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 345 Tibetan monks (men) and 35 Tibetan nuns (women). Prevalence of dental caries was 88.68% with mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) value of 6.06 ± 5.37. Assessment of dental treatment needs showed 82.3% of participants needed one surface filling, 11.9% of participants needed pulp care and restoration, and 9.3% of participants required extraction of teeth. CONCLUSION: The study population is characterized by high prevalence of dental caries and lack of awareness about treatment needs.