Dean's+Dental+Fluorosis+Index

__ Description __ : Scoring system that relates the severity of hypomineralization of enamel to the concentration of fluoride in the water supply that is recommended for use in community studies

__ Category __ : Dental Caries (measures dental fluorosis)

__ When It Is Used __ : To measure the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis in a community.

__ How To Use It __ : Each tooth is visually inspected for dental fluorosis and assigned a numerical score using the following descriptive categories:


 * __ 0 (Normal) __ : Smooth, creamy white enamel surface.
 * __ 1 (Questionable) __ : Slight changes from normal translucency are noted.
 * __ 2 (Very Mild) __ : Small, irregularly scattered opaque (paper white) areas over less than 25% of the labial surface.
 * __ 3 (Mild) __ : White opaque areas more extensive than category 2, but cover less than 50% of the tooth surface.
 * __ 4 (Moderate) __ : The enamel surface shows significant wear and may feature disfiguring brown stains.
 * __ 5 (Severe) __ : Widespread, significant hypoplasia, pitting, staining, worn areas, brown staining, and/or a corroded appearance.
 * **Scoring: An individual score is assigned based on highest numerical value recorded for two or more teeth. Community levels of fluorosis are indicated by the percentage of people in the sample or population that receive scores in each category.

__ Is It Reversible? __ : No

References

Wilkins, Esther M. Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist. 10th edition. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. Pg. 346.