M Tomson1, F Watson2, K Taylor-Weetman1, A J Morris3, K I Wilson4. 1. Public Health England, West Midlands. 2. Dental Public Health. 3. Health and Wellbeing, Public Health England. 4. Special Care Dentistry, Aston Health Centre, Birmingham.
Abstract
AIM: To determine the oral health status of a sample of care home residents and provide data to inform local needs assessments and commissioning decisions. METHODS: A stratified sampling methodology was used to sample care homes; residents were then selected at random and invited to participate. The survey consisted of a short questionnaire and a clinical examination; it attempted to capture data relating to current oral health status, treatment need and suitability for treatment. RESULTS: Of 1761 residents sampled, 848 residents (mean age: 80 years) were competent to and consented to participate in the survey. Of those who consented to a clinical examination, 56% were dentate and 43.6% edentate. Among dentate residents, there was a caries prevalence of 55.8%. Just over half of examined residents (52.7%) were thought to be in need of dental treatment, and potentially suitable to receive treatment. CONCLUSION: These findings document the current state of oral health of a sample of care home residents in the West Midlands and provide valuable data to help inform strategic commissioning decisions. The particular oral health needs of this population group must be considered.
AIM: To determine the oral health status of a sample of care home residents and provide data to inform local needs assessments and commissioning decisions. METHODS: A stratified sampling methodology was used to sample care homes; residents were then selected at random and invited to participate. The survey consisted of a short questionnaire and a clinical examination; it attempted to capture data relating to current oral health status, treatment need and suitability for treatment. RESULTS: Of 1761 residents sampled, 848 residents (mean age: 80 years) were competent to and consented to participate in the survey. Of those who consented to a clinical examination, 56% were dentate and 43.6% edentate. Among dentate residents, there was a caries prevalence of 55.8%. Just over half of examined residents (52.7%) were thought to be in need of dental treatment, and potentially suitable to receive treatment. CONCLUSION: These findings document the current state of oral health of a sample of care home residents in the West Midlands and provide valuable data to help inform strategic commissioning decisions. The particular oral health needs of this population group must be considered.
Authors: R Ferro; A Besostri; L Strohmenger; L Mazzucchelli; G Paoletti; A Senna; E Stellini; S Mazzoleni Journal: Community Dent Health Date: 2008-12 Impact factor: 1.349