Dental Caries Clusters among Adolescents in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in 2013: Implications for Proportionate Universalism

Abstract

Management of dental caries in adolescents presents a population health challenge; thus, it is important to use national epidemiological data to inform policy and action to improve oral health and address inequalities. The aims of this research were to examine dental caries clusters among 15-year-olds, taking account of caries thresholds, and explore associated factors to inform public health action. Secondary analysis of the oral health data on 2,160 15-year-olds from the 2013 Children’s Dental Health Survey in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland was performed. Hierarchical cluster analysis of dental caries experience was conducted across all surfaces and at 4 decay diagnostic thresholds (<i>clinical</i>: International Caries Detection and Assessment System [ICDAS] 1–6, <i>cavitated</i>: ICDAS 3–6, <i>obvious</i>: ICDAS 4–6, and <i>extensive obvious</i>: ICDAS 5–6 <i>decay</i>). Ordered logistic regression was used to estimate the association of behavioural and psychosocial factors with the clusters generated in relation to both <i>clinical</i> and <i>obvious decay</i> experience which are of clinical and epidemiological relevance. A 4-cluster decay pattern representing “low” to “extremely high” decay experience was observed under each of the dental caries diagnostic criteria. For <i>clinical decay</i>, which includes visual enamel caries, 28.70% had low, 39.77% medium, 26.71% high, and 4.81% extremely high caries status. In the adjusted model, significant risk factors for <i>clinical decay</i> included non-modifiable (sex, region, school type, and area deprivation) and modifiable (higher sugar intake at 4 or more times per day and suboptimal dental attendance) factors. This study suggests 4 distinct dental caries patterns among adolescent children nationally. Dental caries clusters demonstrate the importance of embracing proportionate universalism in addressing dental caries in the population oral health strategy.