Assessment of the DMF-S index with the use of bitewing radiographs.

A study population of students (ages 14 to 18 years) was examined radiographically (bitewings) and by clinical DMF-S evaluations. Results revealed a clinically detected total DMF-S of 8.31 with a D-S of 4.86. Decay clinically detected on premolars and molars alone was 4.38, whereas an additional 4.88 surfaces were radiographically detected as being carious. It was determined that a multiplying factor of 1.59 should be used in the present study population to better assess the actual total DMF-S figure. Validity of the correction factor was tested and validated.