dmfs+Index

__**dmfs Index**__
 * __ dmfs Index __** : decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (Primary Dentition Only)


 * __ Category of Index: __** Dental Caries


 * __ Irreversible __**** - ** Measures a condition that will not change


 * __ Purpose: __** This index is used to determine dental caries experience in children. The only teeth that are evaluated is the primary dentition.


 * __ When it’s used __**** : ** It is used to measure the number of previous and current areas of dental caries on the affected tooth surface. Helps determine the prevalence of dental caries in a population

Primary molars: 8 x 5 surfaces each (facial, lingual, mesial, distal, and occlusal) =40 Primary canines: 4 x 4 surfaces each (facial, lingual, mesial, and distal) =14 -Each tooth surface is examined and each surface is recorded.
 * __ How it’s used: __** The surfaces that are evaluated include: 56 surfaces

-When both dental caries and a restoration are present on the same tooth surface it is only counted once and scored as 'd'. (example: MOD decay of one molar. **Total for d= __3 surfaces of decay__**) (example: One canine and one molar missing. One canine=4 surfaces One molar= 5 surfaces. **Total for m= 5 + 4 = __9 surfaces__**) (Example: One molar with MO amalgam and facial composite on a canine. MO amalgam =2 surface Facial composite= 1 surface **Total for f= 2 + 1= __3 surfaces)__**.
 * __ dmf Rating: __**
 * d: ** __Total surfaces__ of primary molars and canines that are carious.
 * m **** : ** total number of primary molars or canines that are missing then account for all surfaces of that tooth.
 * f **** : ** total surfaces of primary molars and canines that have a restoration without caries.

Add the total surfaces for each (d + m + f)= (s) total surfaces d (3) + m (9) + f (3) = 15 surfaces

**__Practice Question:__** Upon examination of an 8-year child, all primary molars are present and 3 primary canines. One missing canine is recorded, an MOD amalgam filling on a molar, and two carious surfaces on one other molar.

Determine the total surfaces with past or present areas of decay? dmfs= d+m+f

References: Wilkins, E. M. (2009). //Clinical practice of the dental hygienist//. (10 ed., pp. 327-328, 342-344).

Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Lauren #38