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CC BY 4.0 · European Journal of General Dentistry 2025; 14(03): 331-338
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1801802
Original Article

Exploring Proximal and Distal Factors of Dental Caries in Underserved Populations Utilizing Charitable Mobile Dental Services: A Cross-Sectional Study, Saudi Arabia

Authors

  • May Gamar Elanbya 

    1   Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Taibah University College of Dentistry and Hospital, Medina, Saudi Arabia

  • Nujud Ghazai Aloufi 

    1   Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Taibah University College of Dentistry and Hospital, Medina, Saudi Arabia

  • Ahmed Alharbi

    1   Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Taibah University College of Dentistry and Hospital, Medina, Saudi Arabia

  • Alanoud Almurowbea

    1   Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Taibah University College of Dentistry and Hospital, Medina, Saudi Arabia

  • Shuruq Alrehaili 

    1   Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Taibah University College of Dentistry and Hospital, Medina, Saudi Arabia

  • Rawan Alaydaa

    1   Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Taibah University College of Dentistry and Hospital, Medina, Saudi Arabia

  • Mosa Shubayr 

    2   Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia

  • Shadia A. Elsayed 

    3   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diagnostic Sciences, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia

  • AbdelRahman M. Ramadan 

    4   Department of Applied Dental Sciences, Jordan University for Science and Technology, Ar-Ramtha, Jordan
    5   Sudan Medical Specialization Board, Khartoum, Sudan

  • Alla Alsharif 

    1   Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Taibah University College of Dentistry and Hospital, Medina, Saudi Arabia
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Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to assess and identify the associated proximal and distal factors of dental caries in underserved populations using charitable mobile dental services in Al Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among adults aged ≥18 years attending a charitable mobile clinic in the rural areas of Al Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia, between June and September 2023. Calibrated dentists examined the dental caries among patients who completed a questionnaire.

Statistical Analysis

Spearman's rho test, Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests, and negative binomial regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Of the 414 participants, 195 (47%) were males, and the age median/interquartile range (IQR) was 39 (19) years. Caries were identified in 412 of the sample with a median (IQR) decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score of 13 (9). Age showed a statistically significant positive association with DMFT scores (β = 0.015; rate ratio [RR] = 1.015; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.101, 1.02], p < 0.001) and likewise nationality and place of residence associated significantly with DMFT scores (β = −0.203; RR = 0.816; 95% CI: [0.676, 0.986], p = 0.035 and β = 0.161; RR = 1.175; 95% CI: [1.037, 1.331], p = 0.012, respectively). Educational level (university level) was negatively associated with DMFT scores (β = −0.079; RR = 0.924; 95% CI: [0.855, 0.998], p = 0.044). Visiting dentists was negatively associated with DMFT scores (β = −0.104; RR = 0.902; 95% CI: [0.858, 0.947], p < 0.001), but income, diabetes, hypertension, teeth brushing practice, use of fluoridated toothpaste, and acidic food consumption showed nonsignificant associations.

Conclusion

This study highlights the significance of age, nationality, place of residence, educational level, and visiting dentists as factors associated with increases in DMFT scores, while income, oral hygiene practices, and certain chronic conditions showed no significant impact within this population.

Keywords

adults - dental caries - behavioral factors - oral hygiene practice - socioeconomic factors - underserved population - caries detection - tooth brushing - toothpastes

Recommendations

Further research is required to highlight the significance of examining unique local contexts when studying underserved populations. Exploring all the factors contributing to high DMFT scores within these communities is crucial, as well as developing comprehensive solutions to address this oral health disparity by profoundly understanding the underserved groups' distinct local circumstances, challenges, and needs. Researchers and policymakers can design more effective, tailored interventions to improve these populations' access to dental care and oral health outcomes.


Ethical Approval

After receiving verbal and written explanations of the study protocol and its aims, the participants signed a written informed consent written in both English and Arabic before the start of the study. Permission was obtained from Taibah University, College of Dentistry, Research Ethics Committee (TUCD-REC) with the approval number TUCDREC/010323/MGamer.




Publication History

Article published online:
14 February 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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