Abstract:
A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out and a total of 495 fifteen year old
adolescent school children were selected from 18 schools in Moratuwa MOH area using
multi stage cluster sampling method combined with probability proportionate to size (PPS)
Technique. Research instruments consisted of a pre tested self administered questionnaire
and a clinical oral examination sheet for all children. Socio economical status of parents and
gender, ethnicity, some practices and habits, knowledge, awareness and pattern of service
utilization in relation to dental caries were assessed as risk indications for dental caries by
using the questionnaire. Prevalence of dental caries was assessed as DMFT and DMFS by
clinical oral examination sheet.Prevalence of dental caries was 50.3 percent. It was (52
percent) high among females compared to (48 percente) among males. Mean DMFLand
DMFS were 1.23 and 2.48 respectively. Mean DMFT was low compared to 2.5 in N.O.H.S.
94/95. Statistically significant differences were observed between dental caries experience
and ethniciry, religion. living for last 5 years, frequency of visiting a dental clinic and
knowledge about dental caries (P0.05). Statistically significant differences were also found
between monthly family income anp the material used for brushing teeth and service
utilization and frequency of sweets consumption. As a percentage 66.9 percent had a 'good'
knowledge about dental caries. Majority (31.8 percent) had stated school dental clinic as the
closest dental clinic.The study revealed still there was 50.3 percent prevalence of dental
caries though it was low compared to 70 percent in N.O.H.S. 94/95 Therefore further oral
health edulcation, promotion. preventive and control measures should be considered as
priority
