Oral Health Status in Romani Children in Slovakia

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this monitoring was to learn about the oral health status of Romani minority in Slovakia. The children were educated in oral health, as was expected that the dental status of the children would improve with the increased level of knowledge about dental health. Materials and methods: Romani children were regularly educated from 2010 to 2015. In 2010 and 2015 Romani children aged 5 to 14 were examined in the Spis Region, Slovakia. Dental cariosity was expressed by the DMFT (decayed, missing, filled teeth) and DMFT index for permanent and temporary teeth, respectively. Parents were asked in 2015 whether they utilize free preventive oral care for their children. Results: In 2010, the average DMFT of all examined children was 1.11 ± 1.45 and DMFT 6.53 ± 3.57. In 2015, the average DMFT of all examined children was 1.81 ± 2.29 and DMFT 3.94 ± 4.19. 12 year old children in 2015 had DMFT 2.12 ± 2.19; permanent teeth of 35.1% of them were intact.                                                             In total, only 30.3% of asked parents visit dentists for preventive oral care of their children.                                                             In the villages with a segregated Romani community only 7.1% of parents visit dentists for preventive check-up of their children whereas in the villages with integrated Romani Community it is 51.1%. Conclusion: Conducted research showed that oral health status of Romani children in Spiš is slightly worse compared to the majority population in Slovakia. Oral health education of Romani children and their parents is necessary to meet Health21 goals in oral health in subsequent years.