Prevalence of missing teeth among dental students in the Albanian University

Abstract

Missing teeth are one of the most common clinical and public health concerns. They can affect quality of life by compromising esthetics and function. Therefore, early diagnosis may reduce their consequences. The prevalence of missing teeth varies across populations and is related to several etiologic factors. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and clinical characteristics of missing teeth among dental students at Albanian University.

Material and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2025. The study sample consisted of 200 dental students randomly chosen at Albanian University, of whom 69% were female and 31% were male. A questionnaire was administered to the sample, and data were collected through clinical and radiological examinations. Written informed consent was obtained from each participant. The Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate, was used for statistical analysis.

Results. Overall, 55 students (27.5%) presented with missing teeth. Mild severity was the most common form among affected students (52/55, 94.5%). The prevalence of dental agenesis was 6.5%, with no statistically significant differences by sex, jaw, or malocclusion class. Missing teeth were slightly more frequent among males than females (29.0% vs. 26.8%, respectively).

Conclusions. In this study, the most frequently affected congenitally missing teeth were the maxillary lateral incisors and second premolars. Most students with missing teeth had not received any treatment, and the most common clinical consequence among affected participants was temporomandibular joint dysfunction.