Risk assessment criteria applied to a screening exam: implications for improving the efficiency of a sealant program.

Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the ability of first-grade screening exam findings to predict carious lesions in permanent first molars by fourth grade. The ability to identify high-risk children would be useful in the rational allocation of limited public health resources, such as the application of sealants.

Methods: Screening exams were performed on 204 children in 1st grade and 4th grade.