Oral health characteristics and treatment of individuals with special needs attending a tertiary institution: A 3 year retrospective study.
A 3 year retrospective study.
Abstract
Oral health characteristics and treatment of individuals with special needs attending a tertiary institution: A 3 year retrospective study.
Abstract
Objectives:
To assess the oral health characteristics and the treatments carried out on individuals with special needs attending the Dental Clinic of Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
Methods:
A three year retrospective study of all individuals with special needs that attended the Paediatric dental clinic of a tertiary health centre during a 3 year period was carried out. All relevant data including biodata, type of special need, oral health conditions and treatments carried out were extracted from the case notes and analyzed.
Results:
Out of 115 records extracted, there were 15 different types of special needs. More than half of the participants were males (54.8%) and their mean age was 12.4 years (SD±7.2). The most frequently recorded study participants were those with Down syndrome (20.9%). The most common oral conditions were gingivitis (65.2%) and dental caries (37.4%). Dental caries was significantly more common in participants with cleft lip/palate and the visually impaired (P=0.02). Of all treatments offered, preventive therapies were most commonly performed.
Discussion: Individuals with special needs are affected by systemic conditions, some of which have direct or indirect impacts on oral health due to impaired mental or motor functions. This study reveals their oral health conditions as well as treatments available. This should therefore assist in planning for prevention, oral health promotion and provision of oral health services.
Conclusion:
The most common oral health problems among the study population were gingivitis and dental caries. There is need for improved oral health promotion strategies and provision of services for these underserved populations.
