Opinion abstract
British Dental Journal 201, 197 - 198 (2006)
Published online: 26 August 2006 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4813882
Subject Category: Dental public health
The 80-20 phenomenon (80:20 distribution of caries) – Myth or Fact?
C R Dugmore1
- Pasley Road Dental Clinic, Pasley Road, Eyres Monsell, Leicester, LE2 9BU
Correspondence to: C R Dugmore1 e-mail: christopher.dugmore@mrh-pct.nhs.uk
- Clarifies the origin of the 80-20 phenomenon.
- Evidence to support the 80-20 phenomenon is sought and challenged in this article.
- Epidemiological data fail to support the assumption of 80-20 caries distribution in populations.
- Dental professionals should cease to use the phrase '80 % of caries occurs in 20% of the population' as a descriptor of caries prevalence.
Abstract
For the past decade the phrase '80% of caries experience is found in 20% of the population' has been repeated so frequently, including by respected academics, that it has become accepted as fact by many in the dental profession. But is it a true representation of the state of dental health in the UK population, or an unsubstantiated convenient statement? Epidemiological data do not support the assertion.
