Abstract: Abstract: Objective The aim of this cross-sectional study was to know about the current situation of dental caries and to determine its related risk factors in pupils of Shandong province, thus provide basis for oral health interventions in primary schools. Methods Based on the aim of the investigation, pupils' oral health examination form as well as pupils' and parents' oral health questionnaire were designed. Stratified sampling method was used to select samples for the investigation. Data was analyzed with software such as Foxpro6.0 and SPSS13.0. Results A total of 1126 pupils, including 581 males and 545 females, were surveyed. The percentage of primary caries was 46.80% and the DMFT was 1.46±2.111 (mean ± SD), the percentage of primary permanent teeth caries was 12.61% and the DMFT was 0.21±0.630 (mean ± SD). The parents’ educational level (P=0.047) and their estimate of their children’ oral health (P<0.001) were strongly associated with the prevalence of caries. Conclusion Risk factors found out in the investigation should be taken into account in strengthening the oral health education of pupils and their parents.

Key words: Oral health , Dental caries, Primary school, Risk factors