Sudipta Kar, Gautam Kundu, Shyamal. Kumar Maiti, Chiranjit Ghosh, Badruddin Ahamed Bazmi, Santanu Mukhopadhyay
ABSTRACT
Context: Dental caries is one of the major diseases affecting the structure of tooth. It may affect both normal and visually impaired children. Aims: This study was aimed to evaluate and compare the prevalence of dental caries in visually impaired and normal children of Malda, West Bengal utilizing Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST). Settings and design: In a cross-sectional case control stu dy of dental caries status of 6-14 years old children were assessed. Subjects and Methods: The case group consisted of visually impaired children in the studied area in 2012 -2013.The control group consisted of normal 6-14 years old children who were also resident of the studied area. A sample of 453 visually impaired and 482 normal children was examined. Statistical analysis used: Statistical analysis was carried out using Z test. Results: Statistically significant difference found in studied (visually impaired) and control group (normal children) Conclusions: visually impaired children are considered inferior than normal children when studied in relation to dental caries status.
Key words: prevalence, CAST, Dental caries, visually impaired