Oral Hygiene Index — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateCommunity Dentistry & EpidemiologyOral Hygiene IndexNDEB AFK

Which index is used to assess the oral hygiene status of a patient by measuring plaque accumulation on specific tooth surfaces?

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Correct answer: C — Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S)

The Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S, Greene and Vermillion, 1964) assesses oral hygiene status by measuring debris (plaque) and calculus on specific tooth surfaces (buccal: 16, 11, 26, 31; lingual: 36, 46). The O'Leary Plaque Control Record measures the percentage of surfaces with plaque (dichotomous: present/absent) on all teeth. Both are valid; OHI-S is used in epidemiological surveys while O'Leary is used in clinical practice for patient motivation.

Reference: Burt & Eklund – Dentistry, Dental Practice, and the Community, 7th ed., 2005