dmft Index Definition — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyDental Public Health & Epidemiologydmft Index DefinitionORE Part 1

In the context of dental public health, what does the term 'dmft' (lowercase) refer to?

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Correct answer: E — Decayed, missing, and filled primary teeth index

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · C = shown as B · D = shown as C · B = shown as D · A = shown as E

The lowercase 'dmft' index refers to the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth index for primary (deciduous/baby) dentition. This is the paediatric equivalent of the DMFT index, which is used for permanent teeth. The case convention is critical: DMFT (uppercase) denotes permanent dentition, while dmft (lowercase) denotes primary dentition. Both indices are WHO-endorsed epidemiological tools used worldwide in dental public health surveys and caries assessment. Option B incorrectly names the permanent dentition index (DMFT, uppercase). Options C, D, and E are implausible distractors with no connection to standard dental caries indices.

Reference: PubMed (PMC8206597): 'DMFT of the First Permanent Molars, dmft and Related Factors among All First-Grade Primary School Students'; WHO criteria for dental epidemiology; SDCEP guidance on prevention and management of dental caries in children. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29970625/