Diagnostic Efficacy in Dental Caries Assessment: Insights from a CAST-WHO Comparative Study in Dibrugarh, Assam

Objective To examine the comparability of the CAST index with the established WHO criteria across diverse populations and age groups. Methods and Material: In the Dibrugarh district of Assam, India, 728 schoolchildren between the ages of 5, 12 and 15 participated in a cross-sectional survey. Examiners received calibration and training in order to apply the CAST index. The CAST index was used for the first examinations, and after a set amount of time, the WHO 2013 criteria were used for the second examination. For every exam, the amount of time required was noted. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test evaluated the mean investigation time for the CAST index & WHO standards, while the Mc Nemar test compared caries experiences. Results The caries experience of children aged 5, 12 and 15 using the CAST index (52%, 48%, 54.6%) and the WHO criteria (42.3%, 40.0%, 26.7%), statistically significant differences were found (p < 0.05). In comparison to the WHO standards (60.56 ± 16.48 seconds and 59.27 ± 8.22 seconds) for primary and permanent dentition, the average examination duration for the CAST index (94.12 ± 23.68 seconds and 107.13 ± 8.39 seconds) was longer (p < 0.05). Conclusions Despite the CAST index requiring an extended investigation time, it provided more precise information, aiding researchers in treatment development that encompasses prevention of early lesions, restoration & rehabilitation. Clinical Relevance: The CAST index facilitates early diagnosis and targeted treatment planning, enabling preventive interventions for early lesions and appropriate restorative care, thus improving oral health outcomes in children.