Specific Caries Index: A new system for describing untreated dental caries experience in developing countries

Objectives: To develop a reproducible surface-specific caries index that provided qualitative and quantitative information about untreated dental caries, that could be used in conjunction with the DMFS index and would provide information on not only the caries prevalence but also the location and type of caries lesion in an individual based on clinical examination. Methods: Untreated carious lesions were divided into six types based on the location of the lesions.339 rural school children in the age group of 12-15 years were examined for dental caries using both the DMFS index and the Specific Caries Index. Results: Type 1 and 2 were found to be the most common type of caries lesions. The reproducibility of the Specific Caries Index was also found to be good. Conclusions: Encouraging indications about the validity and reproducibility of this new caries index was found, suggesting the need for further studies to test its applicability in larger and different populations.