Oral health of remand prisoners in HMP Brixton, London

Abstract

This study investigated the general and oral health status and behaviours and the dental treatment requirements of remand prisoners. It makes recommendations on how their oral health care needs may be met. A convenience sample of 78 remand prisoners participated in the study within HMP Brixton. The study involved a structured interview, to establish health status and behaviours as well as perceived oral health needs, combined with an oral examination to establish normative treatment need. Prisoners' general health was compromised. In particular, there were high levels of mental illness and infectious disease. Unhealthy behaviours such as tobacco smoking, alcohol use, drug dependency, and high sugar diets were commonplace. This affected the remand prisoners' oral health, which presented with high levels of decay and relatively low levels of both missing and filled teeth. Whilst prisoners made high use of prison dental services, they made little use of dental services outside of prison. The high turnover of remand prisoners and high demand for emergency care made the delivery of preventive and routine care difficult. Remand prisoners have compromised general and oral health compared with the general population. They exhibit poor oral health, which is contributed to by their lifestyles and health behaviours.