Baltic Dental and Maxillofacial Journal
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2003, Vol. 5, No. 4

CONTENTS

CLINICAL ARTICLES

Restorative Factors that Affect the Biomechanics of the Dental Implant

SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES

The Influence of Sodium Fluoride on Chemiluminescence of Neutrophilic Leukocytes

Evaluation of Dental Health of Dental Students at Kaunas University of Medicine

Bone Mineral Density and Radiographic Mandibular Body Height

An in vitro study of the Sealing Ability of Materials Used for Furcation Perforation Treatment

Factors influencing the health of periodontal tissue and intensity of dental caries

Status of Individual Dosimetry for Dentists in Lithuania in year 1996-2001

CASE REPORTS

An Atraumatic Technique for Fabricating Precise Impressions

© 2004 Stomatologija

Stomatologija 2003; 5 (4): 133-6 211 KB

Evaluation of Dental Health of Dental Students at Kaunas University of Medicine

Jurga Brusokaite, Ieva Januleviciute, Alvydas Kukleris, Gediminas Zekonis

Summary

The aim of the study has been to assess a possible change in the dental health condition, and ability to evaluate the need of prosthetic treatment together with the increase of dental knowledge in students of odontology. The population studied consisted of 292 second- to fifth- year dental students attending Kaunas University of Medicine, Lithuania. The clinical examination was performed using DMFT-index (number of decayed – D -, missing – M - and filled – F – teeth) and in advance defined criteria for the need of prosthetic treatment. In addition, students were interviewed regarding their home-based oral health care and the need of prosthetic treatment. The results have shown that the majority of participants showed high motivation in maintaining their oral health. DMFT score was increasing; however the DT component was decreasing together with the year of studies. Fifth- and fourth- year students presented the best evaluation of the need for prosthetic treatment due to the dental education alongside with clinical experience. We conclude that students graduating from Kaunas University of Medicine, Faculty of Odontology are motivated highly enough to proceed with successful clinical practice in the future.

Key words: students, DMFT, oral hygiene, prosthetic treatment.

Address correspondence to Dr. G. Zekonis: Kaunas University of Medicine, Faculty of Odontology, Departament of Prosthodontics, Sukileliu g. 51, Kaunas, Lithuania. E-mail: zekonisg@hotmail.com

Received: 22 10 2003

Accepted for publishing: 27 11 2003