Studies in Dental Public Health Administration

Abstract

In order to determine the importance of mass roentgenographic examination of children in dental public health surveys, the authors compared a sample of 729 children examined with and without radiographs with a survey of 2540 children from which the sample was taken. Statistical comparisons were performed between the results of examination of the sample with and without X-ray examination and with the results of the whole survey. They conclude that there is no statistically significant difference between examinations performed in school rooms with mouth mirrors and explorers, and those performed in dental clinics with the same instruments.* While a statistically significant difference may exist between the results obtained from examination with and without the X-ray, no practical difference exists when the surveys are to be made to determine the dental needs of school populations or to compare group dental status. When these surveys are conducted for research purposes, however, roentgenographic examination is to be desired.