Dentition status and treatment needs among institutionalized hearing and speech impaired children in Himachal Pradesh in India: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The oral health of the disabled may be neglected because of the disability condition, demanding diseases or limited access to oral health care. It has been reported that dental treatment is the greatest unattended health need of the disabled. Aim: Present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of dental caries and treatment needs among hearing and speech impaired children in Shimla city, Himachal Pradesh. Materials and Methods: 202 institutionalised subjects aged 5-22 years attending special school were examined. Data was recorded using modified WHO survey 1997 proforma. Dentition status and treatment needs using DMFT, DMFS, dmft, dmfs were recorded. The data was analysed using the software version 15 (SPSS Inc. Chicago). ANOVA, chi-square test and multiple regressions were applied appropriately. Results: Among study subjects, largest component of DMFT was the D component, with a mean of 1.47. Highest mean DMFS was recorded for the age group 18-22 years. Missing surfaces and filled surfaces did not account for a major proportion. Mean dmft and dmfs scores were 1.04 and 1.73, respectively. Out of 202 subjects examined, 182 (90.1%) required treatment. One surface restoration was the most common treatment required followed by two surface restorations, pit and fissure sealants and pulp care. Conclusion: High prevalence of dental caries among special children is a highly alarming situation and needs immediate attention. Filled teeth are very less, which reflects the provision, and availing of dental care is almost negligible. Awareness should be created among parents and teachers by oral health educators about the importance of oral health and regular dental checkup.