Abstract:
Purpose: This paper aims at assessing dental caries indicators and dental treatment needs in institutionalized children.
Material and methods: The clinical material of this paper is the investigation data of 203 institutionalized children. Group 1 represented 82 children aged 7-17 years with varying degrees of mental retardation institutionalized in auxiliary schools. The control group was formed of 121 healthy children institutionalized in boarding schools. Dental status was assessed against WHO criteria. Carious experience was
evaluated by estimating the prevalence index (PI) of dental caries, dmft and DMFT indices.
Results and discussions: Prevalence index of dental caries falls within 83.24 to 93.45%, and the intensity of caries varies from 3.98 to 5.17 for the COA index.
The study found high dental caries indicators estimated in institutionalized children, especially children with mental retardation; it is obvious the need for minimal invasive treatment methods and the
establishment of preventive programs that will help reduce damage by dental decay.
Conclusions: Improving dental care for institutionalized children under current conditions in Moldova should be designed by targeting the prevention of major dental periodontal disorders.
