Diagnostic Criteria of Moller and Poulsen for Dental Caries

Moller and Poulsen defined diagnostic criteria for coding dental caries. The authors are from the Royal Dental College in Aarhus, Denmark.

Parameters:

(1) pits and fissures

(2) vestibular (buccal) and lingual smooth surfaces

(3) proximal surfaces on radiographs

Pits and Fissures	Smooth Surface of Teeth	Radiographs	Code
normal (sound)	normal (sound)	enamel surface contour distinct and unbroken	0
discoloration but no definite sticking	white opaque area with loss of luster but no loss of substance	enamel surface broken; shadow not more than one fourth through the enamel	1
sticking with or without discoloration; dentin not involved	discontinuity in the enamel; loss of substance; dentin not involved	shadow has reached the dentin-enamel junction	2
dentin involvement with definite cavity	dentin involved	shadow not more than halfway through dentin	3
probable pulp complication	probable pulp complication	shadow more than halfway through the dentin	4

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