SURVEY

1. Definition
Survey is a non-experimental type of research that attempts
to gather information about the status quo for a large number
of people by describing present conditions without directly
analyzing their causes.

5. Uses of survey
1. Monitoring trends in oral health and disease
2. Policy development
3. Program evaluation
4. Assessment of dental needs
5. Providing visibility for dental issues

7. STEPS IN SURVEYING
1. Establishing the objectives
2. Designing the investigation
3. Selecting the sample
4. Conducting the examinations
5. Analyzing the data
6. Drawing the conclusions
7. Publishing the results.

8. 1. Establishing the objectives
• The objectives of the investigation must be absolutely clear to the
investigator.
• The design of the study is based on the objectives of the study.
• The objectives could either be to test a hypothesis or describing what
is to be measured.

9. 2. DESIGNING THE INVESTIGATION
It is important to prepare a written protocol for the survey:
• Main objective and purpose of the survey
• Description of the type of information to be collected and
methods to be used.
• Sampling methods to be used.
• Personnel and physical arrangement.
• Statistical methods to be employed.
• A provisional budget.
• A provisional time-table of main activities.

10. 3. Selecting the sample
THE PROCESS NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS FOR A STUDY IN SUCH A WAY
THAT THE INDIVIDUALS REPRESENT THE LARGER GROUP FROM
WHICH THEY WERE SELECTED.
A SAMPLE IS A SMALLER (BUT HOPEFULLY REPRESENTATIVE)
COLLECTION OF UNITS FROM A POPULATION USED TO DETERMINE
TRUTHS ABOUT THAT POPULATION

12. 1. Random sampling technique
In a truly random sample each individual has an equal chance of being
included in the sample.
a. Simple random sample: If population is small, a number is allocated
to each unit and the numbers are selected by the use of random
number table or a computer package.
b. Systematic random sample: This is done if the population is large

13. 2. Stratified random sampling:
Stratification is a method of increasing the precision of a random
sample. If condition under investigation is suppose to be related to
various factors such as age, sex, occupation then the population is first
divided into subgroups or strata, prior to sampling and then each
stratum is sampled randomly to produce a known sample.

14. 3. Cluster sampling:
This is useful when
• Full extent of population is unknown
• No satisfactory sample frame exists
• Need to decrease field and administrative cost
4. Multistage sampling:
When the population is large and scattered, the area is divided into ‘1st
stage sampling unit’ from which 2nd stage units are selected.

15. ADVANTAGES OF SAMPLING
•IT REDUCES THE COST OF INVESTIGATION, THE TIME
REQUIRED AND THE NUMBER OF PERSONNEL INVOLVED.
• IT ALLOWS THOROUGH INVESTIGATION OF THE UNITS OF
OBSERVATION.
• IT HELPS TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE AND INDEPTH COVERAGE
OF THE SAMPLE UNITS.

16. IDEAL REQUIREMENT OF SAMPLE
• EFFICIENCY
• REPRESENTATIVENESS
• MEASURABILITY
• SIZE
• COVERAGE
• GOAL ORIENTATION
• FEASIBILITY
• ECONOMY AND COST-EFFICIENCY

17. 4. CONDUCTING THE EXAMINATION

18. Instruments and supplies :
• plane mouth mirrors - 30 per examiner
• periodontal probes - 30 per examiner
• several pair of tweezers
• containers and concentrated sterilizing solution.
• a wash basin
• cloth or paper hand towels
• gauze.

19. Infection control :
Current national recommendations and standards should be followed
for both infection control and waste disposal.
The use of disposable marks and gloves and the wearing of protective
glasses are recommended.

20. EXAMINATION AREA
CHAIR:
preferable with a head rest.
Most comfortable situation is for the subject to be on a table/bench,
and examiner to sic behind the subject's head.
ILLUMINATION:
a separate unit
Lamp attached to head of the examiner fibre optic light source

21. CLEANING:
Some method to remove loose debris where necessary
ASSESSMENT FORMS:
Adequate supply.
Avoidance of crowding and noise around the examiner.
RECORDER:
Live or tape for receiving information called by the examiner.
ORGANIZING CLERK: to maintain constant flow of subjects and to enter
general descriptive information on forms.

22. CLASSIFICATION OF TYPES OF
INSPECTION AND EXAMINATION
• TYPE 1: Complete examination using mouth mirror & explorer, good
illumination, full mouth radiographs, additional diagnostic methods
(pulp testing, study models, transillumination etc.)
• TYPE 2: Limited examination, using mirror and explorer, bitewing
radiographs. PA radiographs if indicated.
• TYPE 3: Inspection using mouth mirror & explorer, good illumination.
• TYPE 4: Screening procedure - tongue depressor, available
illumination.

23. SCREENING
It is the process of searching apparently healthy population for cases of
early diagnosis
Types
Mass screening
Multiple screening
Prescriptive screening

24. 5. Analyzing the data:
• Once the examination procedures of a survey have been completed,
the work of assembling the material and interpreting it begins.
• It comprises of 2 components
I. Data processing (statistical analysis)
II. Interpretation of the results

25. 6. Drawing the conclusion
• Conclusions should be specifically related to the investigation that
has been carried out.
• Construction of a report with or without a set of recommendations.
• Clearness and simplicity should be sought.

26. 7. Publishing the Result/Report
It should be clear and simple so that the results can be understood
easily. The usual method of presentation of results includes:
1. Introduction:
• Reasons of conducting the survey
• Review of literature
• Objectives of investigation
• Hypothesis to be tested

27. 2. Materials and methods:
• Selection and description of sample
• Methods used for diagnosis
• Diagnostic criteria
• Technique of investigation.
3. Results:
• Appropriate tabulation and illustration.
4. Discussion and conclusion