Perceived dental needs of children enrolled in Iowa's Medicaid Supplemental Security Income (SSI) health plan.

The purpose of this study was to determine parental perception of the oral health needs of children with disabilities and whether or not they had difficulty obtaining dental care. A survey of parents of children enrolled in the Medicaid Supplemental Security Income (SSI) health plan in Iowa showed that 68 percent of children had dental needs during the previous year. Of these children, parents reported that 9.4 percent had a 'big problem' getting that care, 8.1 percent had a 'small problem' getting care and 82.5 percent stated that getting dental care was 'not a problem.' There were significantly more dental needs reported in children in the older age groups (> or = 5 years) and those with more years of experience in the program (p < 0.01). Further study is necessary to determine the types of barriers faced by those in the SSI program seeking dental care.