1- The criteria for an index used in dental public health typically include the following:

a) Validity: The index should accurately measure the desired parameter or condition. It should
be able to distinguish between different levels of severity or disease progression.

b) Reliability: The index should yield consistent results when used by different examiners or at
different times. It should have intra-examiner and inter-examiner reliability.

c) Sensitivity: The index should be sensitive enough to detect changes over time or differences
between populations. It should be able to identify even minor variations in oral health status.

d) Simplicity: The index should be easy to understand and apply. It should not require extensive
training or complex procedures.

e) Objectivity: The index should be based on objective criteria and measurements rather than
subjective interpretations. This reduces the potential for examiner bias.

f) Feasibility: The index should be practical and feasible to use in large-scale epidemiological
studies or public health surveys. It should not be excessively time-consuming or resource-
intensive.

2- The DMFT, dmft, DMFS, and dmfs indices are important measures used in dental
epidemiology and public health. They provide valuable information about the oral health status
of populations and help in assessing dental caries (tooth decay) and dental treatment needs.

a) DMFT: The DMFT index (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth) is used for permanent dentition
(adult teeth). It quantifies the number of decayed (D), missing (M), and filled (F) teeth in an
individual or a population. It helps in assessing the prevalence and severity of dental caries,
estimating treatment needs, and evaluating the effectiveness of preventive programs.

b) dmft: The dmft index (decayed, missing, filled teeth) is similar to DMFT but is used for primary
dentition (baby teeth). It provides information about dental caries in young children, which is
crucial for planning early intervention and preventive strategies.
c) DMFS: The DMFS index (Decayed, Missing, Filled Surfaces) measures the number of decayed,
missing, and filled tooth surfaces in permanent dentition. It provides a more detailed
assessment of dental caries distribution and severity, considering individual tooth surfaces
rather than whole teeth.

d) dmfs: The dmfs index (decayed, missing, filled surfaces) is the primary dentition equivalent of
DMFS. It assesses the prevalence and severity of dental caries in baby teeth at the surface level.

These indices help dental professionals and public health planners to monitor oral health trends,
identify populations at high risk for dental caries, allocate resources effectively, and evaluate the
impact of preventive measures.

3- Several periodontal indices are used to assess the health of the periodontium (the supporting
structures of the teeth). Some of the most important periodontal indices include:

a) Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN): This index assesses the
prevalence and treatment needs of periodontal diseases in a community. It evaluates the
presence of gingival bleeding, calculus, shallow pockets (4-5mm), and deep pockets (>6mm) in
specified sextants of the mouth. The CPITN helps in identifying the severity of periodontal
diseases and planning appropriate treatment interventions.

b) Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR): The PSR index is a simplified version of CPITN. It
provides a quick and efficient screening method for periodontal diseases. It classifies the
periodontal status into several codes based on the presence of gingival bleeding, calculus, and
pocket depths. The PSR allows for rapid assessment and identification of individuals who require
further periodontal evaluation and treatment.

c) Periodontal Disease Index (PDI): The PDI is a comprehensive index that evaluates multiple
parameters related to periodontal health, including bleeding on probing, calculus, pocket depth,
and attachment loss. It provides a more detailed assessment of periodontal conditions, allowing
for the evaluation of disease severity and monitoring treatment outcomes.

These periodontal indices help in assessing the prevalence, severity, and treatment needs of
periodontal diseases, guiding periodontal therapy, and monitoring the effectiveness of
periodontal interventions. They are valuable tools in public health planning and epidemiological
studies focused on periodontal health.