Prevalence and Severity of Dental Caries in Children and Adolescents in Rapa Nui, 2023-2024

Resumen

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in childhood, affecting quality of life and overall development. Easter Island, due to its insular condition, presents social, cultural, and geographical characteristics that may influence the oral health status of its population, including isolation, language barriers, and a rapid dietary transition. To determine the prevalence and severity of dental caries among children and adolescents on Easter Island between 2023 and 2024. Observational ecological study based on data from the Monthly Statistical Registry (REM) of the Ministry of Health. The study included children and adolescents aged 0 to 14 years who received dental care during the specified years. Variables analyzed included service coverage, caries prevalence, severity (number of affected teeth), age, sex, and age group. Statistical analysis involved proportion comparisons, coefficients of determination (R²), and distribution by severity.  A significant decrease in overall caries prevalence was observed, from 63.31% in 2023 to 40.00% in 2024. In the 0-5-year age group, caries prevalence decreased from 35.21% to 20.50%, and in the 6-14-year group from 92.65% to 82.43%. Caries severity also decreased, with an increase in caries-free cases and a reduction in cases with multiple affected teeth. The findings suggest a positive impact of preventive strategies, particularly in early childhood. However, the high prevalence in the 6-14-year age group indicates the need to intensify targeted interventions for this population. It is recommended to consider the cultural and geographical context when designing oral health policies and to establish a permanent epidemiological surveillance system on the island.