Validation of Questionnaires in Screening for Restorative Treatment Need among 15-, 21-, and 40-year olds
Antti Kamppi1, A. Paananen2, A. Laajala3, S. Karki2, K. Kukkola4, E. Molkoselka4, A. Makynen4, M.L. Laitala3, J. Päkkilä5, Vuokko Anttonen3, Tarja Tanner3
1 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland 2 Department of Cariology, Endodontology and Paediatric Dentistry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland 3 Department of Cariology, Endodontology and Paediatric Dentistry, University of Oulu, Oulu; Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland 4 Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland 5 Research Unit of Mathematical Sciences, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
Correspondence Address:
Antti Kamppi Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki, PL 41 (Haartmaninkatu 1), 00290 Helsingin yliopisto Finland
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/denthyp.denthyp_58_21
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Introduction: This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the association between three age-specific questionnaires in three age groups and restorative dental treatment need. Materials and methods: Three separate questionnaires were designed on etiology of dental caries in different age groups. Randomly selected 15- (n = 36), 21- (n = 21), and 40-year-old (n = 45) subjects answered these questionnaires. Responses were compared to restorative treatment need (DT) according to the clinical oral examination, which calibrated examiner performed. Results: Responses to questionnaires were only indicative in prediction of restorative treatment need at individual level. Kappa values for 15-, 21-, and 40-year olds, between responses and restorative treatment need were 0.01, 0.44, and 0.33, respectively. Conclusion: The need for restorative care could plausible be screened with a questionnaire among the 21- and 40-year olds, but not among 15-year olds in a country with low caries prevalence. Further development of questionnaires and studies are needed.
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