Caries prediction and indicators using a pediatric risk assessment teaching tool

The goals of this study were to determine both predictability and risk indi cators in a young pediatric population seen in a dental school clinic using a Caries Risk Assessment teaching tool. Assigned risk categories and facto rs for 140 patients were analyzed for relationships with future caries deve lopment using Logistic Regression (p<0.01) and Chi-square analysis (p<0.05) . Among the group developing caries, variables and disease were analyzed us ing ANOVA Independent Samples Test (p<0.05). Assigned risk categories were significantly predictive with odds ratios (OR) of Moderate- and High-risk d eveloping new caries being 5.41 and 28.64 respectively when compared with L ow-risk. Significant risk indicators were diet, oral hygiene and the presen ce of caries and decalcifications. The risk assessment tool used in this st udy predicted future caries development. Through this method of assessment, caries risk indicators in the population studied were determined to be die t, oral hygiene and past caries experience.