Impact of Comprehensive Dental Health Program on the Oral Health-related Quality of Life among Socially Handicapped Children.

Abstract

Socially handicapped children face a number of challenges including limited access to basic health including oral healthcare. The aim of this study is to determine the oral health status and treatment needs of socially handicapped children and to assess the effectiveness of the Comprehensive Dental Health Program (CDHP) on their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). A total of 97 children in the age-group of 7-14 years were enrolled in the study. Prior to the implementation of CDHP, the collection of baseline data including basic demographic data, dentition status, decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), and treatment needs [World Health Organization (WHO) 1997] was done. CDHP was instituted based on their assessment and treatment needs. The evaluation of OHRQoL was done at baseline as well as a postintervention intervention at the end of 12 months. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied to find normality. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon sign rank tests were applied for item analysis in the questionnaire. The value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean domain scores of OHRQoL at baseline and following CDHP showed a statistically significant difference. There was a consistent overall increase in the postintervention domain scores with respect to all the components. The oral health status of socially handicapped children was found to be fair requiring minimal dental treatment. CDHP instituted among them was beneficial in improving their OHRQoL. Assessing the impact of oral diseases using a multidimensional constraint and planning appropriate interventional measures that improve the general well-being of socially handicapped children. Babu BS, Sahana S, Vasa AAK, et al. Impact of Comprehensive Dental Health Program on the Oral Health-related Quality of Life among Socially Handicapped Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(3):260-264.