Self-reported awareness of unrestored dental caries. Survey of the Oral Health Status of Maryland Schoolchildren, 2000--2001.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to assess and compare parental awareness of unrestored dental caries needs in a schoolchildren population according to socioeconomic status. METHODS Subjective and normative unrestored dental caries data of kindergarten and third-grade children were collected from parental awareness questionnaires and clinical examinations, respectively, used in a 2000--2001 statewide survey of Maryland schoolchildren. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed to assess awareness of unrestored dental caries. Parental perceived need also was compared to clinical findings of unrestored dental caries. RESULTS Actual (clinically assessed) unrestored dental caries (21%) was found to be 2 times the level of self-reported awareness of dental caries (11%). Those most likely to have significantly incorrect awareness of unrestored dental caries were: (1) low-income populations; (2) residents of the Maryland Eastern Shore. Sensitivity was 34% and specificity 96% in comparing self-assessed, unrestored dental caries need with the clinical findings. CONCLUSIONS An incorrect perceived oral health need is high in poorer populations and may serve as a barrier to their achieving optimal oral health, given that disease prevalence is higher and access to oral health care services is lower in this population group.