All permanent teeth except the third molars are used in calculating which index?

• A. Root Caries Index
• B. DMFT
• C. DEFT
• D. DFT

Answer: (A)

The main idea is standardization of caries experience in permanent dentition. For the DMFT index, we count decayed,Missing due to caries, and Filled permanent teeth using 28 teeth—all permanent teeth except the third molars. Excluding the third molars creates a consistent denominator because these teeth are often missing or variably present due to impaction or practice differences, not necessarily because of caries. So this index specifically uses all permanent teeth except the third molars.

Root Caries Index focuses on caries at the root surfaces, not the whole tooth count and doesn’t adopt a 28-teeth standard. The other indices listed (DEFT and DFT) are used for primary dentition, not permanent teeth.