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Data are collected locally and collated by The Dental Observatory. Summary data are reported by NWPHO
(http://www.nwph.info/dentalhealth/ ) and are also available via BASCD and the society’s journal Community
Dental Health.
Statistical methods:
The national and sub-national figures for the most recent survey of 5 year olds are weighted by deprivation quintile
and, where necessary, sample size.
Interpretation of indicators:
Quality of indicator - Annex 12 describes the criteria that should be used to judge the quality of this indicator. The
application of the criteria is dependent on the context (e.g. describing a single organisation, comparing several
organisations) and the level (e.g. national / regional with large numbers of events, local with small numbers of
events) at which the data are to be used.
Due to changes in the method of obtaining consent the survey of 5 year olds conducted in 2007/08 should not be
used for backwards comparison. There is clear evidence of bias but the measurement of this is not possible and
varies from one sample to another. The source data has clear caveats about the use of this dataset and should be
referred to, along with statements made about the dataset at :
http://www.nwph.info/dentalhealth/reports/Statements_re_NHS_DEP_5_yr_olds_2007_08.pdf
Further reading:
1.
2.
NHS Dental Epidemiology Programme for England. Oral Health Survey of 5 year old Children. Summary
report. NWPHO / TDO. October 2009. Available at:
http://www.nwph.net/dentalhealth/reports/NHS_DEP_for_England_OH_Survey_5yr_2007-08_Report.pdf
Mitropoulos C, Pitts NB, Deery C. British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry. Criteria for
standard assessment of dental health. BASCD Trainers Pack for Caries Prevalence Studies 1992-93.
Dundee: University of Dundee, 1992.
Updated: August 2010
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