Aims: To assess the prevalence and sex disparities for caries in the first permanent molars (FPMs) in Benghazi city, Libya.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 375 children (206 girls and 169 boys) of age 6-12 at pediatric clinic of Faculty of Dentistry. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16, Chi square tests.

Results: Caries prevalence in FPMs amongst all of the age groups 6-12 year-old was 675 teeth (45%). Contrary to national and international trends, there was no significant difference in caries prevalence of FPMs between boys and girls, in the upper right and left quadrant (P> 0.05). However, in the lower right quadrant significant differences (P<0.05) were found between the two genders in their FPMs carious status.

Conclusions: A high rate of caries in FPMs 6-12 years old Libyan children. The high level of caries prevalence is a cause for concern. In all the quadrants, a higher experience of caries was observed amongst girls than boys except for the lower left quadrant caries was higher in boys. It is recommended that it necessary to start efficient plans to promote the dental health of the children, and the plans should be comprised of the education and the motivation for the parents, children, dental health services, and the preventive measures.