Frequency of sweet and salty snack consumption among children in relation to their mothers' education level.

Aim To investigate the frequency of consumption of sweet and salty snacks among children aged 2-18 years in relation to their mothers' education level. Methods A descriptive epidemiological study was conducted in five dental practices at the School of Medicine of the University of Mostar from May to October 2022. The data were collected from medical records. Results: Out of a total of 477 children, 172 (36.1%) had mothers with a high school education, while 305 (63.9%) had mothers with a university degree. In the group of preschool children (aged 2-6 years), there were 42 mothers with high school education and 105 with university degree. In the group of school children (age 7-18 years) there were 130 mothers with high school education and 200 with university degree. The difference in the consumption of sweetened beverages among children of mothers with high school and university was not statistically significant. Similar results were found for the consumption of salty snacks, lollipops, caramels and candies. The frequency of the consumption of biscuits, chocolate and cakes (several times a day) was statistically significantly higher among the children of mothers with high school education (p=0.04), especially among school children. Eating habits of children, regardless of the level of education of their mothers, differed significantly only in the consumption of lollipops, caramels, and candies (p=0.03), which were consumed once a day by 79 (63.7%) schoolchildren and 45 (36.3%) of pre-schoolers. Conclusion A higher level of education among mothers does not necessarily equate to proper nutritional knowledge.

Dental Caries Experience in Children in Public Kindergartens of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Objectives: Dental caries first occurs within primary dentition in toddlers and preschool children, in a form of early childhood caries (ECC). In every day's busy and employment burdened parenting, caretakers and institutions have become important even more nowadays, not only for forming child general behavior and character, but also for maintenance of their general and oral health as well. Aims: To evaluate the presence and severity of ECC in children who attended public kindergartens in Sarajevo, and to offer basic information for the maintenance and improvement of child oral health to their parents and kindergarten teachers. Methods: The study included 1722 preschool children aged 3-6 years who attended kindergartens within Sarajevo public kindergarten institution, together with their parents and kindergarten teachers. Dental team members gradually visited all kindergartens situated in four Sarajevo city municipalities and examined kindergarten children according to the WHO Oral Health Survey Manual. Oral health promotion material for parents and kindergarten teachers was also distributed simultaneously during sequential visits. Results: ECC was present in preschool kindergarten children in Sarajevo, with its high prevalence (67.71%); dmft-value (3.97) and severity (SiC index 8.79). There was also a significant lack of dental healthcare to examined children mostly related to lack of visiting dental offices by children's parents (CI=10.55%, RI=10.80%, TI=12.98%). Conclusion: Parental role in preserving and improving of their children oral health should be systematically and profoundly improved. Kindergarten officials and staff should recognize the importance of anticariogenic diet menus and oral hygiene maintenance within their institutions.

Predictors of Dental Fear and Anxiety in 9-12-year-old Children in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Objectives: Oral health in children is additionally burdened with the presence of dental fear and anxiety (DFA). These clinical psychologic entities in their progressive stages inevitably lead to avoidance of dental appointments, which makes prevention and therapy of oral diseases more difficult. Upon the onset of DFA in general, as one of the emotional outcomes of stress in a dental office, most children patients could define the specific stressors that were most intense for them, which could predict the presence of DFA. Aim: To examine the predictors of DFA presence in 9-12-year-old children, and investigate how they could explain the DFA occurrence in study participants. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of 200 children aged from 9 to 12 years. The DFA presence was determined by the modified version of the CFSS-DS scale. The child's behavior in the dental office during the treatment was evaluated by the trained observer using Venham anxiety and behavior rating scales. Socioeconomic status, characteristics of dental office visits, and previous caries experience were also analyzed. Results: The main DFA predictors were related to invasive dental treatments, where the behavior during dental treatment was the most accurate expression of the DFA appearance. Conclusions: Invasive dental procedures are the main stressful factor for DFA occurrence. Predisposing factors could strengthen the DFA occurrence.

COVID-19 Impact on Public Dental Healthcare in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Current Situation and Ongoing Perspectives.

BACKGROUND: As the pandemic time went by in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), various patterns toward COVID-19 itself and its impacts, implementation of prescribed preventive measures among the team members, and those of their patients, including immunization process, have been revealed. These patterns were of both empirical and evidence-based kind and consequently formed dental personnel behavior. The aim was to evaluate and compare the COVID-19 status of dentists in B&H, implementation of prescribed preventive measures, and usage of various kinds of PPE, at the beginning of the pandemics and now, 2.5 years later, including dentists' current vaccination status, and their opinions and attitudes toward the national COVID-19 economic impact on dental practice. METHODOLOGY: Study research was in a form of a cross-sectional longitudinally designed online survey and was conducted in two parts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Dental professionals in B&H had a high frequency of COVID-19 symptoms in the second pandemic year. The vaccination status of dentists in B&H was in line with the global average values of vaccinated professionals. Dentists used patient management preventive measures and PPE recommended by WHO, but some preventive measures have been changed and prioritized recently. The economic impact of pandemics on dentistry was predominantly negative.

Dental Fear and Anxiety in 9-12 Years Old Children in Clinical Setting in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Normative Values and Types of Informant.

Background: The most commonly used diagnostic tests for evaluation of the dental fear and anxiety (DFA) presence in children were psychometric scales, where interpretation in determining and using of their cut-off scores sometimes was not completely exact. Also, several studies have been conducted where the results were conflicting in terms of who better assessed the DFA presence - the children, their parents, or dentists. Objective: To determine the normative values in the child and parental versions of the Modified version of the CFSS-DS scale (CFSS-DS-mod scale) and to compare the ways in which children, their parents, and the dentist assessed the DFA presence in the dental office. Methods: Survey sample consisted of 200 children aged from 9 to 12 years, whose DFA presence was determined by the CFSS-DS-mod scale. Child parents answered to their version of this scale, and the dentist observed the child behavior in the dental office during the treatment using Venham Anxiety and Behaviour Rating Scales. Results: Parental version of the CFSS-DS-mod scale found to be reliable (Cronbach alpha = 0.955) and valid (67.87% of variance explained) instrument for assessment of the DFA presence in children. Two cut-off scores were determined in a child (37 and 43), as well as in a parental version of CFSS-DS-mod scale (36 and 44), respectively. Dentists assessed the DFA presence in child patients most accurately. Conclusion: The normative values of psychometric instruments should be considered prior to their use. The borderline area of DFA presence should also be taken into account in the future studies. Children could underestimate DFA existence by themselves while interviewing.

Pediatric Dentists' Service Provisions in South-East Europe during the First Wave of COVID-19 Epidemic: Lessons Learned about Preventive Measures and Personal Protective Equipment Use.

INTRODUCTION: Having in mind the importance of providing continuous pediatric dental services during the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that children have similar viral loads to adults, the potential to spread the virus to others, and with variable clinical presentation of COVID-19 infection, this study aimed to analyze the impact of COVID-19 outbreak on pediatric dentistry service provision, risks, and preventive measures before and during dental treatment. METHOD: Structured and closed epidemiological cross-sectional survey involved seven Southeastern European countries. The questionnaire was developed using the modified Delphi method, pretested, and tested in North Italy during April 2020. The sample consisted of licensed dental professionals reached via national dental chambers and social media using the best strategies according to the national setting. RESULTS: A total of 3227 dentists participated in the survey, and we included 643 specialists in this study-among them, 164 were pediatric dentists. Most pediatric dentists worked in the public sector (61.0%) and provided emergency (64.6%) and routine dental treatment (18.3%) during the outbreak. One-third of pediatric dentists were COVID-19 tested, statistically significantly more than other specialties, and 3.0% tested COVID-19 positive. In addition, significantly more pediatric dentists (13.4%) reported the presence of at least one symptom related to COVID-19 compared to other specialists (6.1%). None of the pediatric dentists reported PPE shortage. However, 26.2% of all specialists stated that they lacked clear step by step professional guidance in a national language. Similarly, in both groups, around 10% of specialists attended education on coronavirus. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that most pediatric dentists provided dental treatment during lockdown in their countries in public health centers and that they will continue to work during pandemic, our results suggest that pediatric dentists might be at higher risk of COVID-19 infection. Further research should focus on finding better ways to promote and adapt preventive, protective measures and PPE in the pediatric dental setting to be behaviorally acceptable. Moreover, additional efforts should be invested in dental education regarding COVID-19 in the mother tongue.

The Reliability and Validity of the Three Modified Versions of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale of 9-12 Year Old Children in a Clinical Setting in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to obtain a comprehensive, reliable and valid instrument for evaluation of the presence of dental fear and anxiety (DFA) in children, through evaluation of the reliability and validity of three modified versions of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample comprised children aged 9, 10, 11 and 12 years. The first sample group (200 patients) filled in a modified version of the CFSSDS scale, the second sample group (100 patients) filled in a short form of the Dental Fear Survey Schedule, and the third sample group (100 patients) filled in a short version of the CFSS-DS scale, prior to dental treatment, respectively. In order to determine test-retest reliability, the 184 patients from the first sample group filled in the modified version of the CFSS-DS scale again, prior to their next scheduled dental appointment. RESULTS: The modified version of the CFSS-DS scale had the best internal consistency reliability (α=0.907), as well as validity results, compared to the other two instruments used. Test-retest reliability was moderate (Intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.58). CONCLUSIONS: Of the three psychometric instruments used for evaluation of DFA presence in children, the modified version of the CFSS-DS scale showed the most clinically adequate reliability and validity values. This study thus provides a new psychometric instrument that should be considered for clinical use in evaluation of DFA presence in 9-12 year-olds, in a clinical setting sample type of children.

Socioeconomic Status as Oral Health State Determinant of the Active Working Displaced Persons and Domicile Inhabitants.

INTRODUCTION: Socioeconomic changes have a significant impact on the health of the population. Socioeconomic development of society is one of the basic determinants of the health condition and needs of the individual and in the population as well. AIM: To explore the existence of differences in indicators of oral health status between the displaced persons and domicile population, considering the socioeconomic status (SES) of the respondents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 310 people, aged 35-44 (mean 40.19 ± 3.60), were interviewed and examined, with 157 of them in a subsample of domicile inhabitants and other 153 respondents in displaced persons subsample. The SES of respondents was determined using a survey. After conducted examinations in study participants, determined results were recorded as dental status (DMFT Index), and periodontal status (CPI Index). RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the mean value of caries existence between displaced persons of low and middle SES. In domicile inhabitants, there were no statistically significant differences in mean values of caries existence between the individuals with low and middle SES, while the differences existed between the individuals with low and high and between the middle and high SES. Domicile inhabitants with high SES had significantly less carious lesions than those with lower SES. Domicile inhabitants with high SES had significantly fewer extractions and more teeth with fillings. CONCLUSION: People with low SES have worse oral health status. Displacement and low socioeconomic status significantly influence the state of oral health.

Dose- and time-dependent effects of clodronate on orthodontic tooth movement.

Orthodontic tooth movement is the result of bone remodeling that occurs in periodontal ligament and alveolar bone tissue as a response to mechanical loading of the tooth. The aim of this study is to investigate the time- and dose-response effects of locally administered clodronate on tooth movement. Sixty Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups of 15 specimens: E1 - application of 10 mMol of clodronate in 3-day intervals; E2 - application of 2.5 mMol of clodronate in 3-day intervals; E3 - application of 10 mMol of clodronate in 7-day intervals; E4 - application of 2.5 mMol of clodronate in 7-day intervals. A 50 µL clodronate solution was injected into a subperiosteal area to the right maxillary incisor. The left maxillary incisor served as a control, with an injection of saline solution. In 3-day interval application regime, there was no effect of clodronate dosing on tooth movement. In 7-day interval application regime, decreased tooth movement was observed with 10 mMol compared with 2.5 mMol clodronate concentration. However, decreased tooth movement was also observed when 2.5 mMol of clodronate was applied in 7-versus 3-day intervals. Conversely, no difference was observed when 10 mMol concentration was applied in 3- versus 7-day intervals. When clodronate is applied subperiosteally in the root area, it decreases the tooth movement. Tooth movement is impeded by the higher clodronate dosing, as well as by shorter application interval even with lower dosing. The purpose of future trials should, therefore, be to determine a safe therapeutic dose/interval application of clodronate in humans and their potential side effects.

ORAL HEALTH OF DOWN SYNDROME CHILDREN IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to determine the oral health condition Down syndrome (DS) children in Bosnia and Herzegovina, by analizing oral health of Down syndrome individuals in two largest regions, Sarajevo and Tuzla Canton. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Caries and oral health status of Down syndrome children aged 6-18 years were examined and assessed according WHO 1997 criteria. DS individuals were divided in to four age groups: I (0-6 yrs); II (7-12 yrs); III (13-18 yrs). RESULTS: The mean dmft/DMFT index for age group I is (6,40±6,05); II (2,05±2,04) and III (10,30±6,80). The analysis of oral hygiene of Down syndrome children by using the debris index, it was found that 43,9% have very good oral hygiene, 33,3% respondents have good oral hygiene, 15,8% were with poor oral hygiene, while the very poor hygiene had 7% subjects. By using Pearson's correlation to the value of DMFT, debris index and age of examinees with Down syndrome, it is established a statistically significant positive correlation between analyzed variables. Values of CPI index according to age groups were as follows: I (0,1); II (0,17) and III group (0,4).

Skeletal maturity assessment using mandibular canine calcification stages.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were: to investigate the relationship between mandibular canine calcification stages and skeletal maturity; and to evaluate whether the mandibular canine calcification stages may be used as a reliable diagnostic tool for skeletal maturity assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 151 subjects: 81 females and 70 males, with ages ranging from 9 to 16 years (mean age: 12.29±1.86 years). The inclusion criteria for subjects were as follows: age between 9 and 16 years; good general health without any hormonal, nutritional, growth or dental development problems. Subjects who were undergoing or had previously received orthodontic treatment were not included in this study. The calcification stages of the left permanent mandibular canine were assessed according to the method of Demirjian, on panoramic radiographs. Assessment of skeletal maturity was carried out using the cervical vertebral maturation index (CVMI), as proposed by the Hassel-Farman method, on lateral cephalograms. The correlation between the calcification stages of mandibular canine and skeletal maturity was estimated separately for male and female subjects. RESULTS: Correlation coefficients between calcification stages of mandibular canine and skeletal maturity were 0.895 for male and 0.701 for female subjects. CONCLUSIONS: A significant correlation was found between the calcification stages of the mandibular canine and skeletal maturity. The calcification stages of the mandibular canine show a satisfactory diagnostic performance only for assessment of pre-pubertal growth phase.

The prevalence and severity of early childhood caries in preschool children in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess caries prevalence and severity in preschool children in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition, the relationship between the frequency and clinical types of early childhood caries and behavioral factors, oral hygiene and eating habits were assessed. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: An oral health survey was performed in line with the World Health Organization methodology and criteria. The research consisted of clinical examinations of children to determine dentition status, oral hygiene and severity of caries distribution according to Wyne's classification. Information about behavioral factors was collected by means of a questionnaire administered to parents/guardians. RESULTS: The sample consisted of a total of 165 preschool children aged 3-5 years. Mean dmft (decay, missing, filled teeth index for primary dentition) was 6.79. The percentage of caries-free children was 17.0%. The results showed a statistically significant correlation between oral hygiene and eating habits, and also the frequency and types of early childhood caries. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates high caries prevalence in preschool children in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Community based preventive programs should be developed and urgently implemented, in order to achieve the WHO goals, improve oral and general health, thus improving the quality of life of these populations.

Oral Health of Down Syndrome Adults in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to determine the oral health condition Down syndrome (DS) adults in Bosnia and Herzegovina, by analyzing oral health of Down syndrome individuals in two largest regions, Sarajevo and Tuzla Canton. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Caries and oral health status of 33 Down syndrome adults aged 19-45 years were examined and assessed according WHO 1997 criteria. RESULTS: The mean DMFT index is 15,96±8,08. The analysis of oral hygiene of Down syndrome children by using the debris index, is found that 42,4% have very good oral hygiene, 21,2% respondents have good oral hygiene, 27,3% are with poor oral hygiene, while the very poor hygiene have 9,1% subjects. The Value of CPI index is 0,82.

Application of Diode Laser in the Treatment of Dentine Hypersensitivity.

INTRODUCTION: Dentine hypersensitivity is characterized by acute, sharp pain arising from the exposed dentine, most commonly in response to thermal, tactile, or chemical stimuli, and which cannot be linked to any other pathological changes in the tooth or the environment. Therapy uses various impregnating agents in the form of solutions or gels and, in more recent times, laser. AIM: The aim of this research was to examine the effects of treatment of hypersensitive dental cervix with diode laser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 18 patients with 82 sensitive teeth. The degree of dentine hypersensitivity was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS), and the treatment was carried out by application of low-power diode laser over the span of three visits, which depended on the initial sensitivity. RESULTS: There is a significant difference in VAS values measured at the onset of treatment (baseline) and immediately after the first laser treatment (t=9.275; p=0.000), after 7 days, after the second laser treatment (14 days) (t=7.085, p=0.000), as well as after 14 days and the third laser treatment (t=5.517, p=0.000), which confirms the effectiveness of this therapeutic procedure. The results showed a reduction of hypersensitivity in response to tactile stimulus with a probe after the third treatment, even with teeth whose value on the VAS was very high at the beginning of treatment (baseline). CONCLUSION: Within the scope of the conducted study, laser therapy has provided extremely safe and effective results in the treatment of cervical dentine hypersensitivity.

Cariogenic Potential of Inhaled Antiasthmatic Drugs.

INTRODUCTION: The organism of children with asthma is exposed to the effects of the disease but also the drugs for its treatment. Antiasthmatic drugs have different modes that promote the caries formation which varies according to their basic pharmacological composition. Namely, these drugs have a relatively low pH (5.5), can contain sweeteners such as lactose monohydrate in order to improve the drug taste or both. Frequent consumption of these inhalers in combination with reduced secretion of saliva increases the risk of caries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 200 patients, age from 7-14 years, divided into two groups: control group (n1 = 100) consisted of healthy children and the experimental group consisted of children suffering from asthma (n2 = 100). In both groups of respondents are determined the DMFT index, plaque index value and hygienic-dietary habits using the questionnaire. The subjects in the control group had significantly higher DMFT index than subjects in the experimental group (p = 0.004). It is determined that there are no significant differences in the values of plaque index (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The effect of different diseases or medications from their treatment, diet and fermentable carbohydrates in the etiology of dental caries cannot be observed outside the living conditions of subjects, their social epidemiologic status, age, habits, oral hygiene, fluoride use, etc.

Antiasthmatic Inhaled Medications as Favoring Factors for Increased Concentration of Streptococcus Mutans.

INTRODUCTION: The negative impact of inhaled antiasthmatic drugs (IAD) on oral health is reflected primarily in the increased incidence of caries in asthmatic children compared to healthy children. It is believed that one of the causes of the increased incidence of caries in asthmatic children is from bronchodilator effect in reduced secretion of saliva. Decreased salivation favors bacterial colonization and studies have shown that the concentration of Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium that has the primary role in the development of caries, is higher in asthmatic than in healthy children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 200 patients, age from 7-14 years, divided into two groups: control group (n1 = 100) consisted of healthy children and the experimental group consisted of children suffering from asthma (n2 = 100). In both groups of respondents are identified the DMFT values, the concentration of Streptococcus mutans, the amount of stimulated saliva and plaque index value. RESULTS: It was found that there are significant differences in the values of plaque index, salivary index and streptococcus mutans between the control and experimental groups (p> 0.05 for each of the examined variables). Those in the control group had significantly higher DMFT index than subjects in the experimental group (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: IAD does not cause reduced saliva production and thus do not represent a factor favoring increased concentration of Streptococcus mutans.

Caries risk assessment models in caries prediction.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to assess the efficiency of different multifactor models in caries prediction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the questionnaire and objective examination of 109 examinees was entered into the Cariogram, Previser and Caries-Risk Assessment Tool (CAT) multifactor risk assessment models. Caries risk was assessed with the help of all three models for each patient, classifying them as low, medium or high-risk patients. The development of new caries lesions over a period of three years [Decay Missing Filled Tooth (DMFT) increment = difference between Decay Missing Filled Tooth Surface (DMFTS) index at baseline and follow up], provided for examination of the predictive capacity concerning different multifactor models. RESULTS: The data gathered showed that different multifactor risk assessment models give significantly different results (Friedman test: Chi square = 100.073, p=0.000). Cariogram is the model which identified the majority of examinees as medium risk patients (70%). The other two models were more radical in risk assessment, giving more unfavorable risk -profiles for patients. In only 12% of the patients did the three multifactor models assess the risk in the same way. Previser and CAT gave the same results in 63% of cases - the Wilcoxon test showed that there is no statistically significant difference in caries risk assessment between these two models (Z = -1.805, p=0.071). CONCLUSION: Evaluation of three different multifactor caries risk assessment models (Cariogram, PreViser and CAT) showed that only the Cariogram can successfully predict new caries development in 12-year-old Bosnian children.

Palaeodontological analysis of an Iron Age dental sample from a cave burial site near Gornji Vakuf, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This article presents the results of a palaeocultural and palaeodontological research of Cave No. 5 near the villages of Bistrica and Krupa in the municipality of Gornji Vakuf, southwest Bosnia. This cave is located on the west slope of Mt Vranica. inside the cave, several artefacts and skeletal remains of about 20 persons have been found. Radiocarbon 14C analysis of one bone sample showed that people whose remains were found in the cave lived 2765±75 years ago. Palaeodontological examinations on a total sample of 36 human teeth included tooth status, occlusal tooth wear, presence of developmental enamel defects, and odontometric analysis.

Periodontal diseases at the transition from the late antique to the early mediaeval period in Croatia.

OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that the transition from the late antique to the early mediaeval period in Croatia had a negative impact on the periodontal health. METHODS: 1118 skulls were examined for dental calculus, alveolar bone resorption, fenestrations, dehiscences and root furcation involvement. RESULTS: The prevalence of teeth with calculus varied from 40.7% in the LA sample of continental parts of Croatia to 50.3% in the LA sample of Adriatic Croatia. The prevalence of alveolar bone resorption ranged between 21.2% in the EM sample from continental Croatia and 32.3% in the LA sample from Adriatic Croatia. The prevalence of individuals with alveolar bone dehiscences varied from 8.6% in the LA sample from continental Croatia up to 15.0% in the EM sample from Adriatic Croatia. The prevalence of individuals with alveolar bone fenestrations varied from 21.5% in the LA sample from Adriatic Croatia up to 36.2% in the LA sample from continental Croatia. The prevalence of individuals with exposed root bifurcations or trifurcations varied from 9.0% in the EM sample from Adriatic Croatia up to 20.7% in the EM sample from continental Croatia. Statistically significant differences were found between samples. CONCLUSION: The transition from the late antique to the early mediaeval period in Croatia did not have a negative impact on periodontal health. Studies of periodontal health of ancient populations should be performed to provide a better and more reliable reconstruction of living conditions in the past.

Oral health related to demographic features in Bosnian children aged six.

The main aim of this paper is to present epidemiological indicators of oral health among six-year olds in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH) and to analyze values of dmft index and dental treatment needs in order to identify differences in parts of the country. Another aim is to identify the needs from the public oral health care system in Bosnia and Herzegovina related to early permanent dentition by analyzing the condition of first permanent molars (FPM) as an indicator of oral health of permanent dentition. Survey was carried out in 2004 in 8 cantons of the Federation of BH (FBH) and in the Republic of Srpska (RS). Final sample included 560 participants aged six (mean 6.2, SD +/- 0.87). One dental team clinically examined all participants according to WHO methodology and criteria. The parameters used were: dmft index, DMFT index of first permanent molars (FPM), presence of sealants and treatment needs. A questionnaire about oral health habits had been administered. Dmft was 6.71 in that the d-component constituted the major part of the index. DMFT index of FPM was 0.61 (SD +/- 1.08). Percentage of caries free participants aged 6 was 6.8%. Average number of FPM with fissure sealants in BH was 0.25 (SD +/- 0.78). Significant demographic differences in dmft index, DMFT FPM and treatment needs were identified. Most participants (48.5%) had their first dental visit between the ages of five and seven. National oral health goal for Bosnia and Herzegovina should be to develop and implement disease prevention programs based on education of both parents and dental practitioners. It is necessary to improve access to dental care and shift focus from curative to preventive procedures. It is also necessary to set real goals for improvement of oral health which can be achieved within a desired time frame, as well as to precisely define measures to be taken.