The study assessed the incidence of dental caries in first permanent molars, evaluate and compare caries activity between upper and lower first permanent molar and evaluates the effect of various variables on the incidence.

Caries were detected using DIAGNOdent as a valuable adjunct to clinical examination. The visual appearance of the site recorded using the criteria proposed by Ekstrand et al.

Out of total teeth examined, 50.17% were affected by dental caries and 49.90% teeth had no carious lesion. Out of affected teeth enamel caries consisted of 108 (20.69%) teeth, outer half dentin caries affected 101(19.35%) teeth and 53(10.15%) teeth showed dentin caries extended to inner half of teeth. Further significant associations were noted in between different variables.

An early preventive program at the age of 6-7 years reduced caries incidence in permanent molars.