Aim: To assess surface prevalence and susceptibility of dental caries on individual primary teeth surfaces. Methods: 800 children of 5–12 years age from four different schools in different areas of Nellore town were examined for pattern and susceptibility of teeth surfaces to caries in a classroom setting with dental mirrors and blunt sickle–shaped explorers under natural and adequate illumination. Result: The study showed that primary mandibular first molars were most susceptible to caries than any other primary molars. Conclusion: Knowledge of the pattern of dental caries in children is important in designing the preventive clinical procedures, community–based programmes and formulation of appropriate treatment strategies for these children.