National survey of dental caries status and treatment needs in Nigeria

Data on dental caries status and treatment needs among Nigerians were obtained for planning purposes. Details of male and female subjects of all ages from model urban and rural local governments in each state were obtained and a quota sample of about 100 subjects was selected in each local government area (N = 4692). Data were collected using WHO criteria. Chi-square test was used to analyze differences between frequencies. Results from different states were pooled together according to their Primary Health Care (PHC) classification. Percentages of decayed teeth (DT) were: 30, 43, and 44 per cent respectively for subjects aged 12, 15, and 35-44 years old. Percentage DT showed significant (P < 0.01) variation between zones, although the rural/urban differences were not consistent in all ages and significant (P = 0.01) differences were reported for 12 and 15 year olds. Mean DMFT in the respective ages were 0.7, 1.3 and 2.5. The level of restorative care (FT/DMFT) was very low, being 1.5, 1.6 and 1.2 percent for the respective ages. Percent MT/DMFT increased with age. Extrapolating from sample estimates, 7.3 and 22.9 million Nigerians were projected to need dental extraction and conservative care respectively. There is a need to develop an oral health system that includes screening the population and treating those in need of care. Consideration should be given to the training of Expanded Function Dental Auxiliaries.