The aim of this study was to investigate the caries prevalence of 3-5 year old children, attending private school in Dubai. Caries were recorded according to the clinical criteria set by WHO in 1987. Sample size at the age of 3, 4 and 5 was 273, 1205 and 1479 children where the mean dmft values found were 0.90 (2.18), 1.50 (2.73) and 1.72 (2.85) accordingly. The dmft for the total of the sample was 1.55 . This is the first caries prevalence study in Dubai recording caries for 3 and 4 year-old children.

Introduction: Dental caries is a multi-factorial infectious disease, which can affect children and adults at any age. Progress of dental caries is faster in primary dentition, as a result of the thinner dental structures both enamel and dentine, along with deferences in mineralization of the primary teeth. Until now there is no data on caries prevalence in 3 and 4 year old children in Dubai and the last available data for 5 year old children date more than a decade ago. Many countries have showed a decline in the dmft values over the years.

Materials & Methods: The sample consisted of 2957 children, (1527 males and 1430 females), 3-5 year-old, attending private schools in Dubai, participated in this study.

Children were screened for caries by three licensed, calibrated dentists using the WHO 1987, clinical examination criteria.

Results: Mean dmft for 3, 4 and 5 year-old children was 0.90 (2.18), 1.50 (2.73) and 1.72 (2.85) respectively. Conclusions: 3-5 yo preschoolers of Dubai schools exhibited high prevalence of caries with dmft from 0.90 to 1.72

Biography:
Maitha obtained her DDS from Ajman University of Science and Technology backin 2005, in 2015 she got her Masters Degree in Pediatric Dentistry from the European University College in Dubai. Dr. AlKhayat currently practicing as Pediatric Dental Specialist Registrar in Dubai Health Authority-Dubai.