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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Risk indicators of caries experience among young adults.
K Roberts-Thomson1, J F Stewart
1Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health, School of Dentistry, The University of Adelaide, South Australia.
Australian Dental Journal
|May 23, 2008
Summary
Oral health in young adults is influenced by socio-demographic factors and behaviors. Unemployment, smoking, and frequent acidic drink consumption are key risk indicators for dental caries in this age group.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health Research
- Dental Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- While Australian children's oral health has improved, young adults' status remains less understood.
- This study investigates oral health status and risk indicators in Australian young adults aged 20-25.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk indicators associated with oral health status in young adults.
- To inform targeted public health interventions for this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A random sample of 1261 young adults (aged 20-25) from South Australia participated via telephone interviews.
- Dental examinations were conducted on 644 subjects by calibrated examiners.
Main Results:
- The average young adult had 6.05 decayed, missing, or filled tooth surfaces (DMFS).
- Untreated decay (DS) was present in 28.6% of participants.
- Risk factors for decay included unemployment, government benefits, problem-based dental visits, public clinic use, high acidic drink intake, and smoking.
Conclusions:
- Socio-demographic factors significantly impact young adults' oral health.
- Dental visiting patterns and general health behaviors are crucial risk indicators for caries.
- Findings highlight the need for tailored oral health strategies for young adults.
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