Coretta E. Fergus

Bio-data

Currently employed as Dental Surgeon Designate at the Government dental clinic Montserrat, Dr. Coretta Fergus is a graduate of the University of the West Indies with a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from St. Augustine Trinidad and a Bachelor of Science Degree from the Cave Hill Campus, Barbados. She has also completed a Master of Science degree in Dental Public Health from University of London, King’s College London and attained a Diploma in Dental Public Health Royal College of Surgeons (DDPHRCS).

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the caries experience and oral health related quality of life of 12 year olds on the Caribbean island of Montserrat. In addition any difference in the dental caries experience was explored by gender and socioeconomic status.

Method: A total of forty six 12 year olds were living on the island at the time of the study and 32 (69%) participated in the survey. Caries experience was recorded using the DMFT index by a trained and calibrated examiner according to the British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry (BASCD) criteria. The Care Index was used to describe the level of dental care. The Care Index was used to describe the level of dental care. The Child Perception Questionnaire by Jokovic et al 2002 was used to investigate the impact of oral health conditions on oral health related quality of life. Statistical software Dental Survey Plus and SPSS were used to analyze data.

Results: The findings of this study showed that the12 year olds had a mean DMFT of 1.91 and 59% had active untreated caries with an overall Care Index of 16%. While the perception of oral symptoms was low, over a third of children reported a functional impact as a result of their oral condition.

Conclusion: It is concluded that there is a need for improved delivery of restorative care coupled with oral health promotion and dental health education.

© Coretta Fergus, 2008. Page last revised November 3, 2008.

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