[Epidemiological study of caries prevalence in 5-and-12-year-old school children in Flanders]

A caries prevalence survey was carried out among twelve and five-year-old school children in Flanders (Belgium). The aim of the study was an evaluation of the education, prevention and treatment programme organised by the Flemish Working Group on Oral Prevention. The survey covered 3600 5-year old children and as many 12-year old adolescents, selected at random in the five Dutch-speaking provinces of Belgium. Concerning the caries experience of 5-year old children, we noticed a small dmft of 1.65 and a percentage of caries-free of 60%. Regarding the results for the 12-year olds, we recorded a DMFT of 2.72 and 25% caries-free adolescents. Children from non West-European origin scored much higher in dmft but showed a remarkably lower DMFT-index. We can suggest that an increased attention remains necessary for risk groups such as children with a high caries susceptibility, young immigrants and low income families. The dental health education in schools should be kept on-going and even be extended towards adolescents. Because we remarked a very low dental attendance pattern among young children, we really need to convince parents of the importance of early visits to the dentist. We believe that epidemiology is the only basis for a sound and evident prevention strategy.