Criteria for Dean’s Classification System for Dental Fluorosis (1942)
Classification Normal Code 0 Criteria –The enamel represents the usual translucent semivitriform type of structure. The surface is smooth, glossy and usually of pale creamy white colour
Questionable Code 1 Criteria – The enamel discloses slight aberrations from the translucency of normal enamel, ranging from a few white flecks to occasional white spots. This classification is utilised in those instances where a definite diagnosis is not warranted and a classification of ‘normal’ not justified
Criteria for Dean’s Classification System for Dental Fluorosis (1942)
Classification Normal Code 0 Criteria –The enamel represents the usual translucent semivitriform type of structure. The surface is smooth, glossy and usually of pale creamy white colour
Questionable Code 1 Criteria – The enamel discloses slight aberrations from the translucency of normal enamel, ranging from a few white flecks to occasional white spots. This classification is utilised in those instances where a definite diagnosis is not warranted and a classification of ‘normal’ not justified
Very Mild (10-25% of surface) Code 2 Criteria – Small, opaque, paper white areas scattered irregularly over the tooth but not involving as much as approximately 25 per cent of the tooth surface. Frequently included in this classification are teeth showing no more than about 1 – 2mm of white opacity at the tip of the summit of the cusps, of the bicuspids or second molars.
Mild (25-50% of surface) Code 3 Criteria – The white opaque areas in the enamel of the teeth are more extensive but do involve as much as 50 percent of the tooth.
Moderate (100% of surface) Code 4 Criteria – All enamel surfaces of the teeth are affected and surfaces subject to attrition show wear. Brown stain is frequently a disfiguring feature
Severe (100% of surface) Code 5 Criteria – All enamel surfaces are affected and hypoplasia is so marked that the general form of the tooth may be affected. The major diagnostic sign of this classification is discrete or confluent pitting. Brown stains are widespread and teeth often present a corroded-like appearance.