Analysis of the prevalence and structure of dental morbidity among applicants to the Military Medical Academy named after S.M. Kirov

AIM: To determine the qualitative structure of dental diseases and pathological conditions of the maxillofacial region and the level of their prevalence among young individuals entering higher military educational institutions in Russia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data obtained during the dental examination of applicants to the Military Medical Academy named after S.M. Kirov as part of a military medical examination to provide admission to a higher educational institution was comprehensively analyzed.

RESULTS: The results showed a moderately high level of prevalence of diseases and pathological conditions of the oral cavity in the surveyed population. Among 589 applicants aged 16–25 years who arrived from different regions in Russia, the percentage of those in need of oral sanitation was 51.95%. The most common nosological form among the examined young people was dental caries, including recurrent and secondary forms, which ranged from 19 to 44% in various groups of examined people. Additionally, a low level of oral hygiene was identified, noted in more than 45% of applicants.

CONCLUSION: The peculiarities of the obtained research results should be explained by unsatisfactory knowledge and skills in matters of individual oral hygiene (hereinafter referred to as IHPR), insufficient medical education, low level of compliance, and readiness to carry out activities to maintain dental health among young people.