DMF index was given by:
**Core Concept**
The DMF (Decayed, Missing, and Filled) index is a measure used in epidemiology to assess the prevalence of dental caries in a population. It takes into account the presence of decayed teeth, teeth that are missing due to caries, and teeth that have been filled. The DMF index is a widely used metric in dental public health to evaluate the effectiveness of oral health interventions.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The DMF index is a valuable tool for assessing the burden of dental caries in a population. It provides a quantitative measure of the prevalence of dental caries, which can be used to monitor trends over time and evaluate the effectiveness of oral health interventions. The DMF index is calculated by summing the number of decayed teeth (D), missing teeth due to caries (M), and filled teeth (F) in a given population. This index is particularly useful for comparing the oral health status of different populations and evaluating the impact of oral health interventions.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** The DMF index was not given by the World Health Organization (WHO), although the WHO has developed guidelines for the use of the DMF index in epidemiological studies.
* **Option B:** The DMF index is not a measure of oral health status that is specific to children. While the DMF index is often used in pediatric dentistry, it can be applied to any population.
* **Option C:** The DMF index is not a measure of the severity of dental caries. Instead, it provides a measure of the prevalence of dental caries in a population.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The DMF index is a widely used metric in dental public health, but it has some limitations. For example, the DMF index does not take into account the severity of dental caries or the presence of other oral health conditions such as periodontal disease.
**Correct Answer: C. Dean, who introduced the DMF index in 1939.