What does the acronym DMFT stand for in dental terminology?

The acronym DMFT stands for Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth, which is a key measure used in dentistry to assess the dental health status of populations and individuals. This index is an important epidemiological tool that helps in evaluating the prevalence of dental caries and the effectiveness of dental health programs over time. Each component of the DMFT index is evaluated to reflect on the history of dental disease and treatment in a person’s mouth.

For instance, counting decayed teeth highlights untreated caries, while counting missing teeth indicates tooth loss due to decay or other dental issues. Filled teeth signify past dental treatment where caries were managed. Overall, the DMFT index provides a useful overview of an individual's dental health and can help in identifying trends in oral health across different population groups. This comprehensive aspect makes it essential in dental studies, health surveys, and monitoring the outcomes of preventive dental care initiatives.