Criterion validity of 14-item Health Literacy Scale (HLS-14) questionnaire in Brazilian adults and older people.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the criterion validity of the 14-item Health Literacy Scale (HLS-14) in Brazilian adults and older adults. The cross-sectional study performed in an oral health (OH) prospective cohort was conducted in 2017 in Piracicaba, Brazil. The HLS-14 questionnaire was applied to evaluate Health Literacy (HL) by dimensions: Functional literacy (FunL), Communicative literacy (ComL) and Critical literacy (CriL). An evaluation protocol (EP) was proposed to evaluate the criterion validity of HLS-14 considering HL dimensions (FunL: reading of the drug information leaflets; ComL: reading of the medical prescription and CriL: identification of OH conditions). HL (total) was dichotomized by the median in high (≥35 point) or low (<35 point) HL. Kendall's rank correlation coefficient (p < 0.05) and chi-squared test (p < 0.05) were applied. There was agreement between EP and HLS-14 for FunL (p < 0.01). There was association between high HL, measured through the HLS-14 questionnaire, assessing the reading of the drug information leaflets (p < 0.01) and the need for help to read them (p < 0.01). EP showed association between high HL and being able to read the drug information leaflet (p < 0.01), not needing help to read (p < 0.01), having found in the prescription all the information to take the medicine (p < 0.01) and knowing two or more health and OH information in the educational material (p < 0.01). The HSL-14 questionnaire showed criterion validity to measure FunL, and for some items of ComL and CriL evaluation. HL evaluation in a practical and multidimensional way could have an effect on the communication between health professional and patient, motivation and health outcomes.

Acupuncture as a therapeutic resource for treatment of chronic pain in people with haemophilia.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic pain is common in individuals with severe and moderate haemophilia who did not receive prophylaxis during childhood. OBJECTIVE: To verify the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing intensity in chronic pain, changes in quality of life, joint function and impact on treatment satisfaction of haemophilia patients. METHODS: Single-blinded randomized clinical trial with 28 participants divided into two groups: Acupuncture (G1) treated with traditional unilateral acupuncture (side of greatest referred pain) and Control (G2) treated with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), with electrodes on the joint of most intense pain. Both groups had a 20-minute session per week, total of 05 consecutive sessions. Before starting treatment, participants underwent sociodemographic assessment, physical assessment (HJHS), quality of life questionnaire (Haem-a-Qol) and treatment expectation (Likert scale). After the end of the fifth session, Haem-a-Qol, HJHS and degree of satisfaction (Likert) were performed. The assessment of pain intensity using the visual analogue scale (VAS) was performed before the beginning and after the end of all sessions in both groups. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, Bonferroni, t test and chi-square test (P < .05). RESULTS: There was a statistical difference within and between groups G1 and G2 in reduction of VAS. In Haem-a-Qol, the groups showed similarity in quality of life. Both groups had high expectations for treatment. G1 presented a better degree of treatment satisfaction than G2. Total HJHS showed no difference within and between groups. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture was effective in reducing pain intensity in haemophilia patients with chronic joint disease when compared to TENS.

Impact of tooth loss related to number and position on oral health quality of life among adults.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of tooth loss on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in adults with emphasis on the number of teeth lost and their relative position in the mouth. METHODS: The study population was a cross-sectional household probability sample of 248, representing 149,635 20-64 year-old residents in Piracicaba-SP, Brazil. OHRQoL was measured using the OHIP-14. Socioeconomic, demographic, health literacy, dental services use data and clinical variables were collected. Oral examinations were performed using WHO criteria for caries diagnosis, using the DMFT index; that is, the sum of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT). An ordinal scale for tooth loss, based on position and number of missing teeth, was the main explanatory variable. The total OHIP score was the outcome for negative binomial regression and OHIP prevalence was the outcome for logistic regression at 5% level. A hierarchical modeling approach was adopted according to conceptual model. RESULTS: OHIP score was 10.21 (SE 1.16) with 48.1% (n=115) reporting one or more impacts fairly/very often (OHIP prevalence). Significant prevalence rate ratios (PRRs) for OHIP severity were observed for those who had lost up to 12 teeth, including one or more anterior teeth (PRR=1.63, 95%CI 1.06-2.51), those who had lost 13-31 teeth (PRR=2.33, 95%CI 1.49-3.63), and the edentulous (PRR=2.66, 95%CI 1.55-4.57) compared with fully dentate adults. Other significant indicators included those who only sought dental care because of dental pain (PRR=1.67, 95%CI 1.11-2.51) or dental needs (PRR=1.84, 95%CI 1.24-2.71) and having untreated caries (PRR=1.57 95%CI 1.09-2.26). Tooth loss was not significantly associated with OHIP prevalence; instead using dental services due to dental pain (PR=2.43, 95%CI 1.01-5.82), having untreated caries (PR=3.96, 95%CI 1.85-8.51) and low income (PR=2.80, 95%CI 1.26-6.42) were significant risk indicators for reporting OHIP prevalence. CONCLUSION: Our analyses showed OHRQoL gradients consistent with the number and position of teeth missing due to oral disease. These findings suggest that the quantity of teeth lost does not necessarily reflect the impact of tooth mortality on OHRQoL and that future studies should take this into consideration.

Effectiveness of integrative medicine practices on workers' health within private companies.

INTRODUCTION: The attention to workers' health is fundamental not only considering economical aspects (reducing absenteeism) but also for guaranteeing their quality of life. OBJECTIVES: To verify whether integrative medicine practices are effective for workers in private companies. METHODS: Data were obtained from medical records of the acupuncture service of Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Piracicaba, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. This is a descriptive study that evaluated the effectiveness of invasive and non-invasive integrative medicine practices in workers' health through the use of the visual numeric scale for measuring pain, as well as independent variables (sex, age, types of physical and emotional complaints). Our sample consisted of 259 workers in 14 companies. Results were statistically evaluated using a Student's t-test and a significance level of p = 0.05. RESULTS: Most of the patients that sought integrative medicine services were women (73%), with a mean age of 38 years. The mean visual numeric scale value for workers that had physical pain complaints at the first session was 4.96, while that at the final session was 1.38; this reduction was significant (p < 0.0001). Emotional symptoms showed a visual numeric scale reduction of 5.18 to 1.90 (p < 0.0001). Regardless of the practice type (invasive or non-invasive), we observed a reduction in visual numeric scale values over integrative medicine sessions, although invasive therapies resulted in a stronger reduction than non-invasive ones (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, integrative medicine practices had a positive impact on workers' health, reducing physical and emotional pain.

Mastication and oral sensory function in frail edentulous elderly: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the maximum bite force (MBF), masticatory performance and oral sensory function (OSF) of frail edentulous elderly. The correlation of MBF with maximum grip strength (MGS) was also assessed. METHODS: Twenty edentulous elderly [10 with and 10 without the frailty phenotype (FP)] were selected to participate in this case-control study. The FP was diagnosed using the criteria of Fried et al., which consider weight loss, exhaustion, physical activity level, weakness and slowness to the evaluation. All volunteers received new complete dentures (CDs) to standardise the occlusal status, and after 2 months of use with no complaint, all variables were assessed. MBF was measured by pressure sensors positioned bilaterally on the first artificial molars. Masticatory performance was assessed using the sieving method and was expressed as the median particle size (X50 ) of Optocal after 40 masticatory cycles. OSF was evaluated using the oral stereognosis test, and MGS was measured using a dynamometer. Groups were compared using one-way analysis of variance. The Pearson coefficient of correlation between MBF and MGS was calculated. RESULTS: Frail elderly people showed reduced MBF (P = 0.0431) and larger X50 values (P = 0.0053) than did non-frail elders, while OSF did not differ between the groups. MBF had a moderate positive correlation with MGS (r = 0.690, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Frail elderly had reduced MBF and impaired mastication. On the other hand, OSF does not seem to be affected by frailty. MBF was moderately correlated with MGS.

Oral status and its association with obesity in Southern Brazilian older people.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The loss of a functional dentition imposes eating difficulties and food avoidance, which may be detrimental in terms of nutritional status and health. The objective of this study was to investigate whether tooth loss and edentulism that were not rehabilitated with dental prostheses were associated with obesity among elderly in Southern Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample of 872 independently living elderly was evaluated by means of a cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic, medical history and behaviour data were assessed using a standardised questionnaire. Two trained dentists assessed the number of teeth and use of prostheses in accordance with the WHO criteria. Height and weight were assessed and used to generate body mass index (BMI = weight (kilos)/height (cm)(2)) data. Participants were categorised into non-obese (BMI 30). Multivariate logistic regression was used to model the relationship between number of teeth and use of dental prostheses with obesity adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression revealed that edentulous persons wearing only upper dentures (OR = 2.34, 95% CI 1.18-4.27) and dentate participants with one to eight teeth wearing 0-to-1 prosthesis (OR = 2.96, 95% CI 1.68-5.19) were more likely to be obese. CONCLUSION: The results show that a poorer oral status, represented by having fewer teeth that were not replaced by dental prostheses, was associated with obesity in Southern Brazil older people, suggesting a close relationship between poor oral status and systemic conditions that may have important clinical implications.

Correction to: Prospective cohort of adult oral health in Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.

The original publication of this article [1] did not include the funding acknowledgement of FAPESP. The authors would like to acknowledge the funding by FAPESP.

Risk factors for tooth loss in adults: A population-based prospective cohort study.

The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for tooth loss in an extended age group of adults over 4 years. The prospective cohort study assessed adults (20-64 years old) in 2011 and 2015, from Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. The sample selection was planned based on the adult population in the city. The inclusion criteria were randomly selected residences per census tract unit (one adult per household). The exclusion criteria comprised of a physical or psychological state that prevented the achievement of clinical procedures or understanding of the questionnaire. The home oral examination was performed using the index of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), the Community Periodontal Index according to the World Health Organization, and visible biofilm. Demographic and socio-economic data, information on health habits, and the use of dental services were obtained by questionnaire. The outcome was a presence incidence of tooth loss, assessed by the difference between Missing teeth (M>0) from DMFT in 2011 and that in 2015. The conceptual theoretical model 'Ethnicity, aging and oral health outcomes' was adapted for tooth loss and used in a Hierarchical multivariate Poisson Regression analysis (p<0.20). The reference category for the Poisson regression were individuals who had no missing teeth (M) due to caries or periodontal disease (p<0.05). There were a total of 143 (follow-up rate = 57.7%) participants in the four-year study, and there was incidence of tooth loss in 51 (35.7%) adults over this period. The risk factors for tooth loss were reason for seeking dental services by pain (RR = 2.72; 95.0% CI: 1.04-7.37), previous tooth loss (RR = 3.01; 95.0% CI: 1.18-7.73) and decayed teeth (RR = 2.87; 95.0% CI: 1.22-6.73). The risk factors for tooth loss were: reason for seeking dental services by pain, previous tooth loss and dental caries.

Prospective cohort of adult oral health in Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the methodological aspects of a Prospective Cohort Study of adult oral health in Piracicaba, Brazil. RESULTS: This Prospective Cohort Study evaluated adults (20-64 years old) between the years of 2011 and 2015, in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. The main objective was to evaluate the risk factors for tooth loss in adults. Data were collected at households and selected via probabilistic sampling, through clinical examination of caries, considering as variables the decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth index, need for caries treatment, periodontal disease (Community Periodontal Index and Periodontal Attachment Loss), use and need for dental prosthesis, and presence of visible biofilm. A questionnaire about demographic, socioeconomic and health habits, use of dental services, self-perceived quality of life (Oral Health Impact Profile-14) and health literacy (14-item Health Literacy Scale) was also employed. In 2011, 248 adults participated, and in 2015, 143 (follow-up rate = 57.7%). Despite the follow-up sample loss, most sociodemographic characteristics remained in the participant sample: for example, women (72.0%) (p = 0.534), family income between R$545,00 and R$1090,00 (63.9%) (p = 0.920), above 11 years of education (53.1%) (p = 0.200) and belonging to middle class (67.1%) (p = 0.909).

Correction: Risk factors for tooth loss in adults: A population-based prospective cohort study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219240.].

Would a Placebo Acupuncture Needle be Able to Induce Deqi?

The aim of this study was to evaluate Deqi in patients under treatment with acupuncture and sham acupuncture. Forty (40) volunteers of all genders with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) were randomized into two study groups: Acupuncture and Sham Acupuncture (non-penetrating device). The patients answered the Southampton Needle Sensation Questionnaire (SNSQ) at the initial and final sessions of acupuncture treatment. The questionnaire was composed of two parts: the first one, consisting of 17 Deqi descriptors and a Likert scale in order to evaluate the intensity of each sensation; and the second one, consisting of a visual analog scale (VAS) to evaluate how painful the acupuncture treatment was. At the initial session, LI4 was the most cited acupuncture point in both groups, being responsible for a 'Slight Intensity' needling sensation of electric shock in the acupuncture group at initial (10%) and final (15%) sessions. The most common related needling sensations at different acupuncture points was "Pricking" and "Sharp" in both groups. The acupuncture group showed higher VAS than the Sham Acupuncture either in the initial (3.87 × 2.43) and final (2.04 × 2.14) sessions. Deqi response to acupuncture stimulation was verified either in the both groups.

Design and Objectives of the South American Youth/Child Cardiovascular and Environmental (SAYCARE) Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to introduce the overarching study design of the South American Youth/Child Cardiovascular and Environmental (SAYCARE) study, which is an observational multicenter feasibility study held in seven South American cities: Buenos Aires (Argentina), Lima (Peru), Medellin (Colombia), Montevideo (Uruguay), Santiago (Chile), and São Paulo and Teresina (Brazil). Children and adolescents (3-17 years of age) were studied. METHODS: The data management systems, quality assurance monitoring activities, standardized operating procedure manuals, and training and study management are addressed in this paper. Various quality controls to ensure the collection of valid and reliable data are also discussed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Data were obtained from 237 preschoolers and schoolchildren and 258 adolescents during the validation phase measurements. The results of the SAYCARE study are expected to provide higher accuracy in the assessment of cardiovascular disease risk factors, including eating behaviors, body composition, physical activity, sedentary behaviors, lipid profiles and cardiovascular health biomarkers, oral health, social conditions, environmental factors and home environment, and their determinants in children and adolescents from ages 3 to 17 in seven South American cities.

Correlates of partial tooth loss and edentulism in the Brazilian elderly.

BACKGROUND: In South American older adults the association between tooth loss and demographic, predisposing and enabling factors has not been determined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between partial and complete tooth loss and demographic, predisposing, enabling and need factors, and quality of life variables in the Brazilian older adults. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 5349 subjects aged 65-74 years were evaluated using conglomerate random sampling. Data collection included dental examinations and questionnaires evaluating demographic, predisposing, enabling and need factors, and quality of life variables. Multinomial logistic regression was carried out to evaluate correlates of tooth loss. The number of teeth was set as the outcome and categorized as: edentulous, subjects with 1-19 teeth, and subjects with 20 or more teeth. RESULTS: Predisposing factors including age, female gender and schooling were independently associated with edentulism. Female gender was associated with partial tooth loss. The only enabling factor associated with edentulism was car ownership. Need factors were associated with edentulism and partial tooth loss. Edentulous subjects perceived the need for dental treatment less frequently. Quality of life factors were associated with partial tooth loss and edentulism. Subjects with 1-19 teeth and edentulous subjects were more likely to rate their chewing ability as not good. Edentulous subjects were more likely to rate their speech ability and their dental appearance as good. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that tooth loss and edentulism were complex phenomena, with intricate predisposing, demographic, enabling and need factors playing a role.

Use of Magnetic Neurostimulator Appliance in Temporomandibular Disorder.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is ranked the second leading cause of orofacial pain after toothache, and there is no effective standard treatment for all cases. Therefore, much research has been conducted in the therapeutic areas of TMD, such as acupuncture and electrotherapy, for this purpose. The aim of this research was to evaluate application of the neuromagnetic stimulator device Haihua model CD-9, used within the precepts of acupuncture in treating TMD-related pain symptoms and limited mouth opening. Analysis and discussion of this study were based on pain intensity index and range of mouth-opening evaluation before and after each session. Nine patients diagnosed with muscle TMD, referred by the surgery sector of Center Dental Specialties (CEO - I) in Piracicaba-São Paulo participated in this research. Considering the simplicity of the technique and good results obtained, use of this device is suggested as an additional therapeutic tool for relief of TMD symptoms.

Incidence of Tooth Loss in Adults: A 4-Year Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the incidence of tooth loss in extended age group of adults in 4 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prospective cohort study assessed adults (20-64 years old) between 2011 and 2015, from Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. The dependent variable was cumulative incidence of tooth loss, assessed by difference between missing teeth (M) of decayed, missing, and filled tooth index (DMFT) in 2011 and 2015. Participants were stratified into young (20-44 years old) and older (45-64 years old) adults. Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05) was used to compare the means of incidence of tooth loss between age groups. RESULTS: After four years, 57.7% (n = 143) of adults were followed up and the mean incidence of tooth loss was 0.91 (SD = 1.65); among these, 51 adults (35.7%) who lost their teeth showed mean tooth loss of 2.55 (SD = 1.86). In older adults, incidence of tooth loss was higher (p = 0.008), but no difference between age groups was found when only adults with incidence of tooth loss were assessed (p = 0.844). CONCLUSION: There was higher incidence of tooth loss in older adults after four years, however, without difference between age groups when only those who lost teeth were evaluated.

Change in Quality of Life and Its Association with Oral Health and Other Factors in Community-Dwelling Elderly Adults-A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether changes in oral health status were associated with decline in quality of life (QoL). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Carlos Barbosa, southern Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: A random sample of 872 community-dwelling individuals aged 60 and older was evaluated in 2004. The current study population consisted of 389 participants available for follow-up in 2012. MEASURES: Change in QoL was assessed through the use of the short version of the World Health Organization QoL Assessment tool (WHOQOL-BREF) at baseline and follow-up. Each WHOQOL domain generates a score, with changes being calculated for each domain. Individuals with the same or higher scores at follow-up were categorized as having improved QoL, and those with lower scores were categorized as having a decline in QoL. Sociodemographic and health variables were assessed in an interview, and tooth loss, use of dental prostheses, and satisfaction with chewing ability and oral appearance were verified through oral examinations. Interviews and examinations were repeated. Risk ratios (RRs) relative to the outcome and independent variables were estimated using Poisson regression with a robust variance estimator. RESULTS: Tooth loss was a risk factor for decline in the psychological domain of QoL (RR = 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02-1.06). Improvement in satisfaction with chewing ability was a protective factor for decline in this same domain (RR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.50-0.97). Greater satisfaction with oral appearance was a protective factor against decline in social (RR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.72-0.98) and environmental (RR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.61-0.97) domain scores. CONCLUSION: Preventing tooth loss and recognizing and properly addressing concerns about chewing and dental appearance can affect the general well-being of community-dwelling elderly adults.

[Self-perception and oral health conditions in an elderly population]. / Autopercepção e condições de saúde bucal em uma população de idosos.

This study assessed oral health conditions through clinical examination and self-perception. The sample consisted of 112 subjects 60 years of age or older in Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil, divided into two groups: G1, with dental insurance (n = 55) and G2, without dental insurance (n = 57). Clinical examinations were conducted according to WHO guidelines. Data on self-perceived oral health were collected using the GOHAI (Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index). DMFT was 29.13, higher in G1 (p = 0.0091). Mean number of teeth currently present in both groups was 7.63, higher in G2 (p = 0.0131). Periodontal conditions showed a high percentage of null sextants (70.3%), where CPI revealed higher prevalence for calculus and PIP for pockets up to 3mm. The percentage of edentulous subjects was 45.5%, higher in G1 (p = 0.0142). Among edentulous subjects, 69.6% wore complete upper dentures and 42.9% complete lower dentures. Mean GOHAI was 33.61, qualifying self-perceived oral health status as positive, and the only difference was in the physical dimension, where G2 showed higher values (p = 0.0154). Self-perceived oral health was considered satisfactory, but this was not confirmed by clinical data from the two groups.

[Oral health of institutionalized elderly in the eastern zone of São Paulo, Brazil, 1999]. / Saúde bucal de idosos institucionalizados, zona leste de São Paulo, Brasil, 1999.

The objective was to verify oral health conditions in institutionalized elderly people in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, through epidemiological analysis. The sample consisted of 293 subjects and was stratified according to age (65-74 years and over 75) and gender. Epidemiological analysis was conducted according to WHO criteria to determine prevalence of oral disease. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were used to check differences between strata. Of the subjects evaluated, 64.8% were women and 65.2% were over 75 years old. DMFT was 30.8 with tooth loss of 96.3%, and this percentage was statistically greater for women (97.0%); 94.7% showed calculus as a major degree of periodontal condition, and only 1.8% presented healthy periodontal conditions and 33.3% presented loss of attachment ranging from 6 to 8 mm. Some 48.1% used total upper and 22.5% total lower prostheses. Edentulism was 68.3%. The data indicate unsatisfactory clinical conditions, as shown by the high CPO-D index and high percentage of edentulism.

[Dental caries in 15-to-19-year-old adolescents in São Paulo State, Brazil, 2002]. / Cárie dentária em adolescentes de 15 a 19 anos de idade no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, 2002.

Dental caries was evaluated by surveying 15-to-19-year-olds in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, in 2002, concerning disease prevalence and severity according to age, gender, ethnicity, and public water supply fluoridation. This cross-sectional study was based on data collected through an oral dental health epidemiological survey. Adolescents (n = 1,825) were examined at their homes by 132 dentists from 35 cities in the State of São Paulo. Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests were used (alpha = 5%). The SiC Index was used to determine the groups having higher caries experience. DMF-T was 6.44 (sd = 4.60) and SiC Index was 11.68. Caries-free frequency was 9.6%. No statistically significant difference was observed for DMF-T in relation to public water supply fluoridation; however, there was a high percentage of caries-free individuals in cities with fluoridation. Caries conditions were worse in males. A higher prevalence of decayed and missing teeth was observed in the non-white groups. Therefore, emphasis is recommended on strategies to mitigate harm by caries progression, especially in higher-risk groups.

[Evaluation of simplified DMFT indices in epidemiological surveys of dental caries]. / Avaliação de índices CPOD simplificados em levantamentos epidemiológicos de cárie dentária.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether two simplified indices, "DMF in 6 Teeth"(DMF6T) and "DMF in two quadrants" (DMF2Q), could be indicated for epidemiological surveys of oral health according to dental caries distribution. METHODS: The sample came from epidemiological data in 29 municipalities. A total of 2,378 examinations were done on 12-year-old schoolchildren. The mean DMFT from each locality was utilized to obtain three DMFT prevalence groups (low, moderate and high), for which the simplified indices were calculated. Statistical analysis was done using intraclass correlation and the Wilcoxon and chi-squared tests, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation between the DMFT index and the simplified indices ranged from 0.82 to 0.95 (p<0.05). No significant differences in the prevalence of the studied parameters were observed between the means of the DMFT and DMF2Q indices (p>0.05), although DMF6T showed differences. The proportions of decayed, missed and filled teeth were similar between the DMFT and DMF2Q indices (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The simplified DMF2Q index can be used in epidemiological surveys in areas with low, moderate and high prevalence of dental caries. However, better evaluation of the DMF6T index needs to be made.