ABSTRACT
The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of dental caries and associated risk factors among patients examined at College of Dentistry, Aljouf University, Saudi Arabia. The study group consisted of 576 subjects with a mean age of 30.4 +/- 9.9 years and 65% males. Carious defects, fillings and missing teeth due to caries were diagnosed and DMFT scores were calculated according to WHO guidelines. Oral hygiene practices and habits were also recorded. Data were collected through a proforma. The prevalence rate of dental caries in the study group was 94%. The mean DMFT was 6.58 +/- 3.7 whereby the D [Decayed] component had the highest proportion 4.44 +/- 3.1, and M [Missing] component the lowest 0.79 +/- 1.6. On average the F [Filled] component was 1.39 +/- 1.9. The mean of DMFT component by gender was statistically significant [p < 0.05] while the difference in the mean of D and F components by age group was statistically insignificant [p < 0.05]. The molars [69%] were the most affected teeth by caries followed by premolars [21.5%] and anterior teeth [9.5%]. The results indicated high levels of dental caries as well as dental treatment needs among the study participants