Use of intraoral mobile photography for screening of oral health in children

Abstract Background The aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of intraoral mobile photography to assess caries intensity (DMFT/deft), simplified oral hygiene index (S-OHI) and modified gingival index (MGI). Methods Children aged 7-12 were included in the study. The clinical doctor evaluated the oral health indicators by visual examination: DMFT, deft, S-OHI, MGI were calculated. Dental students independently captured photos with a mobile phone (iPhone-11) in 8 predetermined projections. Dental images were kept in coded folders for research anonymity. Another professional calculated index based on the photos. Variables were used with binary values (DMFT/deft = 0/≥1; MGI=0/≥1; S-OHI≤1.2/>1.2). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) of dental photography were evaluated and Cohen’s Kappa was calculated to measure the level of agreement between two independent observers. Results 2864 photographs were evaluated for 358 participants. The sensitivity and specificity of intraoral mobile photography for DMFT index is 95.8 (95% CI: 93.4-98.3) and 89.2 (95% CI: 83-95.5); For deft index: 100.0 (95% CI: 100-100) and 88.6 (95% CI: 79.3-98); For MGI: 89.7 (95% CI: 85.8-93.5) and 91.4 (95% CI: 86.3-96.5); For S-OHI: 77.6 (95% CI: 67.6-87.6) and 93.8 (95% CI: 91-96.6); The PPV value for DMFT, deft, MGI and S-OHI is 96.2; 97.7; 95.6 and 74.3 and the NPV value is 88.3; 100.0; 80.9 and 94.8 respectively. It was achieved substantial and perfect agreement between two independent raters: For DMFT, deft, MGI, S-OHI indices Cohen’s Kappa =0.85; 0.93; 0.78; 0.70 correspondingly. Conclusions Intraoral mobile photography, if applied within appropriate guidelines is reliable for assessing caries intensity, simplified hygiene index and modified gingival index as well as visual screening and may become a priority for dental public health. The involvement of dental students in studies of similar design is appropriate. Key messages • Intraoral mobile photography can be used for oral health screening in children. • The involvement of dental program students in screening studies conducted with intraoral mobile photography is appropriate.