Equitable delivery of health services is one of the guiding principles of the health strategy in Ireland. Oral Care services for children and adolescents are delivered by salaried dental personnel employed by local Health Boards. Children are screened two to three times between the ages of seven and twelve years and treatment is provided according to need. Objective: To determine whether levels of treatment for caries and provision of fissure sealants is similar among Irish children and adolescents classed as deprived and non-deprived. Methods: A team of trained and calibrated dentists examined a representative, random sample of 8-, 12- and 15-year old children in Ireland. WHO criteria were used with the addition of coding for non-cavitated caries that was visibly into dentine. The mouth was illuminated using a portable dental light source. The fieldwork was conducted in 2002. Deprivation status was classified according to whether the subjects parents had a medical card. A medical card is issued on the basis of deprivation or disability. Results: In total 11,103 subjects were examined. Twenty five per cent were classed as deprived. Of the deprived group 41%, 62% and 66% of 8-, 12- and 15-year-olds had at least one fissure sealed tooth. The percentages for the same age groups in the non deprived sample were 52%, 73% and 72%. The percentage of the DMFT attributable to the D component for 8-, 12- and 15-year-olds in the deprived sample was 64%, 39% and 39%, compared with 47%, 28% and 31% for the non deprived groups. Conclusion: Irish children and adolescents in deprived groups appear to have lower levels of fissure sealants and higher levels of untreated caries than those in non deprived groups although both groups are provided with a needs led dental service.

Supported by the Department of Health and Children, Dublin

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