Oral Health Status of Children with Special Needs
Author Information
Author(s): Oredugba Folakemi A, Akindayomi Yinka
Primary Institution: Department of Child Dental Health, College of Medicine, University of Lagos
Hypothesis
The oral health status and treatment needs of children and young adults attending a day institution for those with special needs are influenced by various sociodemographic factors.
Conclusion
The subjects in this study had a high prevalence of dental caries and need for restorative care.
Supporting Evidence
- Thirty-six (66.7%) were caries free.
- Mean dmft score was 0.7 ± 1.77.
- Mean DMFT score was 0.4 ± 1.44.
- Forty-five (83.3%) had Angle's class I malocclusion.
- Up to 53.7% of the total population will require oral prophylaxis.
Takeaway
Kids with special needs often have more dental problems, and many of them need help to keep their teeth healthy.
Methodology
Oral health screening program with examinations and questionnaires completed by parents.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on parental reporting for data collection.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and some subjects were excluded due to illness or non-cooperation.
Participant Demographics
Participants aged 3–26 years, 72.2% male, 27.8% female, mostly from high and middle educational backgrounds.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.5
Statistical Significance
p = 0.5
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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