Caries experience in 14-year-olds from Northeast Italy. Is socioeconomic-status (SES) still a risk factor?

Prevalence and severity of dental caries in 14-year-olds of Northeast Italy were estimated, evaluating the dependence to SES.

An epidemiological survey was performed among a randomised cluster sample of 560 (290 M and 270 F) 14-year-olds attending secondary schools, to evaluate DMFS following WHO indications. Association between caries occurrence and SES was evaluated in a logistic regression model. To account for high proportion of zero scores (DMFS and DS distribution highly positively skewed) data was moreover modelled with negative binomial regression and zero-inflated models.

Caries prevalence was 63.4% with a mean DMFS of 3.0 ± 3.8. A significant trend between means was observed regarding DS in the different SES levels: z = 2.22 p = 0.03 (occupational level) and z = 3.45 p<0.01 when SES was based on educational level. The Negative Binomial Regression model resulted more appropriate than the Poisson model because the dispersion parameter was significantly different from zero (alpha=1.5, 95% CI=1.3-1.8). Working class status showed significant association with DMFS (p=0.04) while using DS as dependent variable, working class subjects and subjects with medium-low and low educational level, showed a statistically significant association.

Socioeconomic status is still a predictor for dental decay in the Italian 14-year-olds.