Oral health status and treatment needs of individuals with special health care needs in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Journal Title: Saudi Journal of Oral and Dental Research - Year 2017, Vol 2, Issue 6
Abstract
Abstract: Individuals with special health needs are disadvantaged by virtue of the health challenges they face which contributes to their reduced ability to take care of their overall health. The aim of the study was to determine the oral health status and treatment needs of a group of individuals with special health needs. A cross-sectional study was carried out in an institution for individuals with special health needs in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Information on demographics and medical conditions of the participants was obtained from their teachers/minders. Their oral cavities were then examined for their oral hygiene status, dental caries, malocclusion, dental anomalies and dental trauma. Sixty four subjects consisting of 34 (53.1%) males and 30 (46.9%) females with a mean age of 13.6 (+ 6.86) years were assessed. Five health conditions were noticed; Cerebral palsy 23 (35.9%), Down’s syndrome 21 (32.8%), learning disability 11 (17.2%), autism 7 (10.9%) and seizure disorders (3.1%). Although 46 (71.9%) were caries free, the mean DMFT was 0.61 (+1.16) and there was no significant difference (p=0.50) across the gender. The decayed component was 75% and there were no filled teeth. The mean OHI-S was 1.66 (+ 0.79) and thirty three (51.6%) had good oral hygiene with no significant differences (p=0.16) across the medical conditions. Thirty (46.7%) individuals needed oral prophylaxis and 18.1% were in need of restorative care. Fourteen (21.9%) needed composite/labial facing while 10.4% would need stainless crowns on the posterior teeth. The study establishes inadequate utilisation of dental services among special healthcare need individuals. Keywords: Special health care need, Oral health status, Treatment needs.
Authors and Affiliations
Eigbobo JO, Osagbemiro BB, Okolo NI, Umanah AU
Keywords
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