A comparative situational analysis of dental morbidity in Chapayevsk, Samara Region

Aim: to conduct a comparative situational analysis of dental health among the child population of Chapaevsk before and after the implementation of the state environmental rehabilitation program. Material and methods. In September–December 2022, an epidemiological survey was conducted according to the WHO methodology (2013) among 1136 children in key age groups: 5–6, 7, 12, 15, and 18 years. The mean caries intensity indices were calculated using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT/dmft) index for teeth and surfaces and its components, as well as the prevalence of periodontal diseases, oral mucosal diseases, and non-carious lesions of teeth. Results. Since 1995, there has been a decrease in the total population of the city by 21% and in the child population by 35%. The number of students in children’s educational organizations and schools decreased by 16%. However, the intensity of caries increased: in 7-year-olds by 50.5% (from 0.43 to 0.87), in 12-year-olds by 21.9% (from 2.1 to 2.69), and in 15-year-olds by 34.7% (from 2.7 to 4.14). The proportion of teeth restored due to caries in children aged 12 and 15 years is only 16% and 15%, respectively. In 2022, the total number of dental visits was 8472, including primary visits, which accounted for 35% of the total child population. The prevalence of oral mucosal diseases decreased from 27.9% to 5%, non-carious lesions from 79.5% to 37%, and dentofacial anomalies from 83.8% to 74%, which is likely due to the improvement of the environmental situation. Conclusions. Shortcomings in the organization of dental care, low awareness of prevention, insufficient implementation of preventive programs, and interaction between the dental service and primary health care are noted. The development and implementation of a comprehensive program for the prevention of major dental diseases is necessary.