Development and distribution of proximal caries in 303 9–20‐year‐old individuals in a Copenhagen suburb

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Abstract
A theoretical basis for the practice of screening for identification of caries risk groups was established. Longitudinal data concerning the development of proximal caries in 303 persons from the age of 9 to the age of 20 were examined with regard to statistical distribution. Data from each yr and from the entire period showed a close fit to the negative binomial distribution. This distribution can be the result of independent random occurrences, but varying susceptibility. Thus the consistent existence of a caries risk group is illustrated by this analysis, but no prediction is made. Future evaluations of preventive measures directed toward caries risk groups should probably express the degree to which the similarity between the distribution of proximal caries and the negative binomial distribution can be eliminated.

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