A Simplified CAMBRA-Based Diagnostic Caries Risk Assessment Tool for Young Adults: Development and Clinical...

Background/Objectives: Young adulthood is a transitional period associated with changes in lifestyle and preventive dental attendance, which may influence caries risk. In routine practice, the use of comprehensive caries risk assessment systems is often limited by time and diagnostic requirements, highlighting the need for simplified diagnostic screening tools. This study aimed to develop and clinically validate a simplified, questionnaire-based caries risk assessment tool derived from the CAMBRA framework for use in young adults. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 246 Romanian young adults aged 18-25 years. The instrument was designed to enable rapid caries risk stratification based exclusively on questionnaire data, without radiographic or laboratory investigations. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity were evaluated by comparison with clinically recorded indicators, including DMFT values, early enamel changes, visible dental plaque, and active carious lesions. Results: The questionnaire showed acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.71) and good temporal stability (ICC = 0.82). Higher caries risk categories were consistently associated with unfavorable clinical findings, including increased DMFT values, a higher prevalence of early enamel changes, greater plaque accumulation, and more frequent active caries (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The simplified CAMBRA-based questionnaire demonstrated satisfactory reliability and clinical relevance in young adults. It may serve as a practical diagnostic screening and decision-support tool for risk-based caries prevention in routine and community dental settings.