Periodontal screening during an oral public health promotion campaign: a study among health consumers.

INTRODUCTION: Diseases such as periodontal disease and halitosis have a negative impact on both the economy and the quality of life worldwide; thus, poor oral health has become a public health concern. The aim of this study was to characterise the oral health status of visitors to a public health consumer's exhibition using demographic and social characteristics and consumers' periodontal health condition.

METHODS: During this cross-sectional study in 2010-2014, 1,223 visitors completed a questionnaire. The periodontal condition of 760 participants was screened by dental hygienists of the Dutch Dental Hygienists' Association using the Dutch Periodontal Screening Index (DPSI).

RESULTS: A total of 1,029 visitors with a mean age of 45.38 years were included. The numerically lowest mean level of DPSI (2.59) occurred in 2014, whereas the numerically highest mean of DPSI (3.67) occurred in 2012. Each year, the DPSI scores were not normally distributed and were significantly higher for men than for women. Significant differences between DPSI score and age and between DPSI score and education were observed.

CONCLUSION: Differences in DSPI score related to age and education were found. This means that specific groups of people with poorer oral health, mostly elderly or less-educated people, may need adjusted target interventions to prevent oral diseases. Insights into the benefits of public awareness and the development of optimally targeted interventions are needed for oral health promotion and the prevention of oral diseases.