Oral health status in conflict-affected regions of Ukraine: a cross-sectional pilot study during a humanitarian dental mission.

BACKGROUND

Armed conflict disrupts healthcare access and exacerbates oral diseases. Ukraine had high baseline caries prevalence prior to the 2022 conflict. This pilot study aimed to describe oral health status and associated factors among residents of conflict-affected Ukrainian communities during a humanitarian mission.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2025 at mobile dental clinics in three communities (Korosten, Medzhybizh, Ternopil). Fifty-four participants (6 children aged 7-12, 2 adolescents aged 13-17, 46 adults aged ≥ 18) underwent oral examinations using the DMFT index (WHO criteria) by a single calibrated examiner. Intra-examiner reliability was assessed through re-evaluation of 30 consecutive patients within a one-month period (86.7% agreement rate). A translated questionnaire assessed oral hygiene practices and lifestyle factors. Descriptive and regression analyses explored factors associated with caries experience.

RESULTS

Mean DMFT was 12.65 (SD 8.10), predominantly affecting posterior teeth (9.61 vs. anterior 3.04). Age-specific analysis showed marked differences: children 3.67 (SD 2.88), adolescents 4.00 (SD 5.66), adults 14.20 (SD 7.69). The high missing teeth component among adults (mean 7.10) indicates substantial accumulated disease burden. Age was the only significant predictor of DMFT (β = 0.23, p < 0.001). Oral hygiene behaviors showed no significant association with caries outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study documented high caries burden among conflict-affected Ukrainian residents, with adults bearing the greatest accumulated burden. The predominance of missing teeth suggests cumulative damage reflecting both endemic disease and conflict-related care disruptions. These preliminary findings may inform targeted oral health interventions in humanitarian settings.