Prevalence and Severity of Dental Caries Among Schoolchildren in Libya: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aim: Dental caries remains a significant public health burden among children in Libya, yet national-level epidemiological data are fragmented and inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to provide a comprehensive estimate of caries prevalence and severity among Libyan school children. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) was conducted for studies published between January 1990 and June 2024. Inclusion criteria targeted observational studies reporting Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) scores or prevalence of caries among children aged 5-15 years in Libya. Data were synthesized using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using I-2 and Cochran's Q-statistic. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's regression test. Results: Seventeen studies were included, encompassing a pooled sample of 7149 children for DMFT and 7079 for prevalence. The overall mean DMFT was 2.577 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.533-2.620), and the pooled prevalence of caries in permanent teeth was 64.7% (95% CI: 63.9%-65.4%). Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I-2 > 99% for both outcomes, P < 0.001), and publication bias was confirmed by Egger's test (P = 0.001-0.003). Most studies originated from Benghazi, with limited data from other regions. Conclusions: Libyan children exhibit a high burden of dental caries, with significant geographic and methodological variability. These findings emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive preventive programs, school-based oral healthcare initiatives, and improved data collection strategies across all Libyan regions.