The Oral Health Status of Spanish Naval Military Personnel: A Retrospective Study

TL;DR

This study examines the oral health of Spanish Navy personnel, finding that older and non-commissioned officers have higher dental issues.

Contribution

The study provides updated data on caries prevalence and dental care among Spanish naval military personnel.

Findings

The mean DMFT index was 5.99, indicating moderate caries prevalence.

Non-commissioned officers and older personnel had the highest DMFT values.

Younger personnel and officers showed better dental care as measured by the care index.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Oral health has specific importance and consequences from a military and Navy standpoint. The aim of this study was to determine and compare caries prevalence and dental care in Spanish Navy personnel. Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out with a sample size of 1318 individuals (34.65 ± 8.82 years old) stationed at the Rota naval base in Spain, whose dental charts were examined. Caries prevalence was assessed using the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) index; dental care was evaluated using the care index (CI); and demographic and occupational factors were recorded. Results: The population of this study had a mean DMFT index of 5.99 ± 4.71 and a CI of 79%. Through the results of the DMFT index and CI, the statistical significance of the age and rank variables (p < 0.01) was confirmed, with personnel >45 years old and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) having the highest mean DMFT values and the youngest and officer groups having the greatest CI variable. Comparing the DMFT index across genders and ages and between age and rank also revealed significant differences. Conclusions: This study’s findings show a low prevalence of cavitated caries (14.5%), with intermediate DMFT values and higher CIs compared to those in previous published data.