Assessment of dentition status and treatment needs among children with disabilities attending special schools in Karad City, India

Abstract

Introduction: There are a number of individuals suffering from various disabilities in this society. The parents, caretakers, and family members have a grievous effect due to the psychological reactions associated with deformity. This leads to apprehensive behavior in the life of these disabled individuals. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the dentition status and treatment needs among 7–12-year-old children with disabilities at special schools in Karad city, Maharashtra India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 7–12-year-old children attending specials school in Karad city, India. A total of 50 children (30 males and 20 females) were examined. The dentition status and treatment needs were assessed using dentition status and treatment needs index. The caries experience was assessed using decayed, missing, and filled teeth/surface (dft/s/DMFT/S) index. Information on intelligent quotient, disability status, and systemic diseases was also recorded. Results: The mean age of the study population was 8.98 ± 3.15 years. There were 30 (60%) males and 20 (40%) females in the study population. Among the total children examined, 52% of the children suffering from mental retardation (MR), followed by MR with cerebral palsy (20%). The overall mean dft and DMFT scores were 2.99 ± 0.92 and 3.91 ± 1.43, and decayed component had the highest score in both the groups. There was a statistically significant difference has been observed between gender ( P Conclusion: Dental treatment needs in these individuals are very high, which reflect the barriers to access and utilize oral health care among these children. As dentists, we should emphasize on health education, periodic recall, and monitoring among these individuals.