Introduction:

developmental defects of enamel (clinically visible) are defined as its quantitative or qualitative alterations, due to alterations in the matrix of hard tissues and its mineralization during odontogenesis.

Objectives:

to determine the prevalence of the developmental defects of the enamel in school children aged 6 to 12 years.

Methods:

a quantitative, descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study was carried out on the developmental defects of the enamel in permanent dentition. An observation guide was prepared to collect the necessary data. The informed consent of the school principal and parents was available. A sample of 340 children was chosen from a population of 350 children (school enrollment).

Results:

the prevalence was 20.59% and female gender was the most affected with 12.6%; it occurred most frequently at the age of 10 years (5%). The white to cream opacities predominated, affecting most of the children in only one tooth (34.2%). The lower molars were the most affected teeth with 9.1% and the defects were more frequent in both jaws with 11.2%.

Conclusions:

the prevalence was low compared to other studies previously conducted. The most recurrent defect was type 1, with one affected tooth per child and in both jaws.