RESUMO
AIM: This study aims to investigate the reliability of examinations performed by teachers and by a dental assistant in detection of cavitated surfaces. METHODS: A sample of 168 students, aged 5-14 years, attending a public school in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, was examined by persons with three different training backgrounds: a dentist, a dental assistant, and schoolteachers. Examinations were performed in the school with the aid of a tongue blade under natural light. Kappa statistics were estimated to assess agreement between the observers. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value tests helped validate observations performed by the group of laypersons. RESULTS: The findings suggest satisfactory agreement with the dentist, with kappa values of 0.730 and 0.781 for the teachers and the dental assistant, respectively. The absence of cavities was easily detected (specificity = 96%). More caution is required in positive results indicated by the teachers or the dental assistant because these were not always confirmed subsequently (sensitivity = 76%) by the dentist. CONCLUSION: The aid of untrained personnel in dental epidemiology was shown to be a valid alternative for a signposting role.