Prevalence of dental caries among children attending public versus private schools: A cross-sectional comparative analysis.

Dental caries represents a major global public health challenge, particularly among children in low-socioeconomic settings, where poor oral hygiene, high sugar intake, and limited access to dental care exacerbate prevalence and severity, leading to pain, infection, and long- term oral health disparities. Hence, a cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on 812 schoolchildren aged 8-10 years, selected via a multistage random sampling method from public (n=405) and private (n=407) schools. Data were collected through a clinical oral examination using the World Health Organization (WHO) 2013 criteria to determine the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth index for both primary (DMFT) and permanent (DMFT) dentition. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to gather information on oral hygiene practices and dietary habits. A significant disparity in dental caries prevalence and experience exists between children attending public and private schools, with the burden being substantially higher in the public school population. Thus, we show the influence of socioeconomic factors on children's oral health and highlight the urgent need for targeted, school-based public health interventions in underprivileged communities.