Oral Health in Bosnia and Herzegovina Schoolchildren - Findings of First National Survey

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the oral health of schoolchildren in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH) according to the WHO methods and propositions. Materials and Methods: Survey was conducted as observational, descriptive (cross-sectional) study. Study sample were children aged 6 and 12. A total of 1,120 children were examined. Observable oral health parameters were dental caries, periodontal condition and demarcated opacities. Results: In 12-year-olds the DMFT was 4.16 ± 2.92, and the decayed teeth constituted the major part of the index (45.43%). In 6-year-olds the DMFT was 6.71 ± 3.89, and the decayed teeth constituted the major part of the index (88.79%). 43% of 12-year-olds had healthy periodontal tissues. The prevalence of developmental defects of enamel among BH twelve-year-olds was 32.8%. Conclusion: Results of national survey for two monitoring children population groups revealed insufficent preventive and currative dental care in all examined sites in BH.