Assessment Of Caries Prevalence And Dental Treatment Needs Among Orang Asli In Pos Simpor, Gua Musang, Kelantan

In Malaysia, Orang Asli (aboriginal people) in the outback or inland is considered as
marginalized community due to their lack of accessibility and availability to proper health care. Variety of health problems arise through their living environment, including poor oral health quality. It is known fact that oral health does affect one’s quality of life. This study aims to assess the prevalence of dental caries and dental treatment needs of Orang Asli (OA) in Pos Simpor, Gua Musang Kelantan. This cross sectional study was conducted among 82 participants (adult n=40, children n=42). Dental charting was done and data collected were analyzed. It was noted that the caries prevalence among children was dt= 33%, mt= 5%, ft =1% and for the adults was DT=58%, MT=30%, FT=1%. The highest dental treatment need found in this study was restoration, followed by extraction and denture. From this information, it was hoped to help the future mobile dental clinic for Orang Asli to focus on the treatment need demand.

Keywords: Orang Asli, caries, dental treatment