Background and aims: In spite of their enormous importance, permanent first molars might be affected by caries in children in developing countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment needs of first permanent molars in a group of schoolchildren in Mashhad.
Materials and methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on 700, 7-9 year-old students in primary schools in Mashhad. The schools were randomly selected from each district. Treatment needs and DMFT of first perma-nent molars were calculated. Data was analyzed using ANOVA, Chi-Square and t-test.
Results: A total of 95.3% of the children required dental treatment. Fissure sealant application and filling were the treat-ments most required in all age groups. The mean DMFT of first permanent molars was 1.31±1.4. It was significantly higher in girls than boys (P=0.040).
Conclusion: Great treatment needs and caries prevalence in permanent first molars in Mashhad schoolchildren show that dental caries is still a serious problem in the children of our society; therefore, education of parents and teachers is necessary for promoting children's oral health.
Keywords: Caries prevalence; dental treatment needs; first molar; schoolchildren.