Kassaye, Mesfin (PhD)Andemichael, Ghirmay2018-08-302023-11-052018-08-302023-11-051995-05http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/11802A cross sectional community based survey to determine the prevalence of dental caries in Shashemene woreda, 250 Km. South Eastern part of Ethiopia was conducted between November 1994 and December 1994. A total of 1228 individuals, 630 (51.3%) males and 598 (48.7%) females participated in the study. The overall dental caries prevalence rate was found to be 51.4% 631 of the total 1228 people being affected, The prevalence of dental caries was found to be hgher among the rural resdents 53.7% of the total 821 people examined being affected as compared to 46 . 4% of the total 407 urban population studied respectively. Females were affected more than males, 315 (52.7%) of the total 598 and 316 (50 . 2%) of t he total 630 respectively. The difference was statistically significant OR= 1.81(1. 32 , 2. 49) .The survey also elucidated that the disease prevalence increases with age old people being affected more, only 11.8% of those aged 60 years and above being caries free. The risk factors for dental caries identified in this study were age (being old), sex residence (being rural r esident) , (being a female), low education, consumption of sweet food items, Khat chewing, presence of food remnants in the oral cavity, gi-ngivitis, cal culi and plaque. vi The study has elucidated that dental caries prevalence is high, more than half of the studied population being affected by dental caries. It seems that the "excellent Ethiopian teeth" practically is becoming a legend this days. Strengthening of health education in the health institutions and initiation of health education programme in schools, training of adequate health man power to deal with oral health problems and further studies to identify other risk factors and treatment requirement are recommended.enPrevalence and Determinants of Dental CariesThesis