The survey was conducted during the 2000–2001 school year. Children were selected using a multistage probability sample design. The first stage involved the selection of elementary schools from five different regions of Maryland. The number of schools selected from each region was proportional to the number of schoolchildren enrolled in each region. Fifty schools were selected. Once schools were selected, two classrooms from each grade level were randomly selected. Dentist examiners were trained and calibrated during a single clinic session. Diagnostic criteria were comparable to ASTDD’s 1999 Basic Screening Survey. The Kappa scores ranged from 56–73, compared to the standard examiner's scores. All screenings were completed during the 2000–2001 school year. The data were weighted to account for the sampling design. Of the students selected, 50% responded. Estimates were adjusted for nonresponse.

For more information about this survey, contact:

Ilise Marrazzo, MPH
Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene
Office of Oral Health
201 West Preston Street, 3rd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Telephone: 410-767-5736
Fax: 410-333-7392
E-mail: marrazzoi@dhmh.state.md.us