What is the difference between the df and DMF indexes?
A) The df index is intended for use in children before the age of exfoliation.
B) The df index does not include missing teeth because of the difficulty in distinguishing primary tooth loss as a result of dental caries from those lost by natural exfoliation.
C) The df index is for primary teeth, and the DMF index is for permanent teeth.
D) The df index is popular in Europe, and the DMF index is popular in the United States.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The df index is the sum of decayed (d) and filled (f) primary tooth surfaces (dfs) or teeth (dft). It does not include missing teeth because of the difficulty in distinguishing primary tooth loss as a result of dental caries from the teeth lost by natural exfoliation. For use in children before the age of exfoliation (<5 years), the dmf index can indicate the number of teeth or surfaces with a history of decay. Upper case letters (e.g., DMFT) signify permanent teeth; lower case letters (e.g., dft) signify primary teeth.

What Is the Difference Between the Df and DMF Indexes