Mini dental assessment: a simple screening test for non-dental staff

Objective The objective of this study was to develop a simple tool for the assessment of possible dental treatment needs (DTN) for non-dental professionals (Mini Dental Assessment, MDA). To keep the assessment universal, we aimed to base it on the patient’s history and a simple chewing efficiency test (CET) as the dental status is a known determinant for chewing efficiency. Materials & methods The assessment was developed using data from 169 patients from two sites (University Hospital Giessen, St. Bonifatius Hospital Lingen, both Germany). In all patients, a dental examination was performed, the denture status was evaluated (based on the California Dental Association criteria; CDA criteria), and the DTN was determined. In addition, the time since the patient’s last visit to a dentist (TLVD) and denture age (DA) were assessed. Furthermore, a CET was carried out and the comminution score was determined (CETS). Results In total, 108 patients required dental treatment. The mean value (±SD) was 2.9 ± 0.9 score points for the DTN, 2.5 ± 3.8 years for the TLVD, and 10.8 ± 8.9 years for the DA. There was a significant correlation (Spearman, P