National Oral Health Plan 2015–2024: performance monitoring report

Proportion of adults aged 18 years and older who have less than 21 natural teeth

Numerator
Total number of adults (aged 18+ years) surveyed/examined in the reporting period who have less than 21 natural teeth

Denominator
Total number of adults (aged 18+ years) surveyed/examined in the reporting period

Low

Public dental
State/territory public dental service data for adults presenting to public dental clinics

NDTIS
National Dental Telephone Interview Survey*

NSAOH
National Study of Adult Oral Health*
*National population estimates presented in NDTIS and NSAOH have been derived from weighted data

Age group
Includes data captured for individuals aged 18+ years surveyed/examined in the reporting period. Age is calculated from the date of birth in years (rounded down) as at the date of survey/examination of the client when the dentate status is captured. Data to be presented in age groups 18–24, 25–44, 45–64, 65+ and 15+ years.

Survey response (NDTIS)
Participants that indicate the total number of teeth in the upper and lower jaw to be less than 21 from responses to questions:
'There are 16 teeth, including wisdom teeth, in the upper jaw. How many teeth do you have remaining in your UPPER jaw (implants are regarded as missing)?'
'There are 16 teeth, including wisdom teeth, in the lower jaw. How many teeth do you have remaining in your LOWER jaw (implants are regarded as missing)?'

Examination (NSAOH & public dental)
Individuals examined through dental charting indicating the number of erupted or partially erupted deciduous or permanent teeth present is less than 21.

Unerupted teeth
Fully unerupted teeth are to be excluded from the number of teeth count in the numerator.