Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to estimate the oral health state for dental health capacity of the first permanent molars among Koreans Methods: The authors had analysed the data of National Dental Survey in 2003. 11,126 dental survey charts were analysed and calculated for dental health capacity of the first permanent molars classified with the groups by age, gender and regional distribution. Results: Dental health capacity of the first permanent molars in aged 6 was 99.2 % and it has been decreased continuously till the 22.6% in aged over 75. Dental health capacity in 2003 was estimated as higher than that of in the year 2000 (p < 0.01). Dental health capacity of male was higher score than in that of female(p < 0.01). Dental health capacity of the residencies of cities were appraised better than that of rural areas(p < 0.01). Conclusion: Dental health capacity of the first permanent molars was seemed as one of the important index for representing the oral health level for Koreans. So it was needed to establish the policies and efforts to increase the level of them, in the future.