National oral health survey Zimbabwe 1995: Dental carries situation

Ten years after completion of the first national oral health survey, the se cond such survey was carried out in 1995. Application of a multi-stage samp ling procedure resulted in 3,709 persons being examined according to the WH O oral health assessment form and criteria. The background variables studie d were age, gender, type of location, socio-economic status. Comparison wit h results from major studies in other African nations are presented. It was concluded that the prevalence of dental caries in all age groups was high but that the severity was low. The prevalence of unmet treatment needs was very high with extraction as the predominant mode of treatment. The survey has shown that the vast majority of Zimbabweans are not receiving and/or ar e not seeking oral care.