The oral health status and treatment needs of adults with intellectual disabilities in Auckland.

Abstract

Aims: Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) are known to have poor oral health and complex dental needs requiring treatment under general anesthesia (GA). This retrospective chart review aimed to provide information on the oral health status and treatment needs of adults with ID in Auckland.

Methods and results: Data on 1075 adult patients with ID seen through the Auckland public dental service during the period June 2016 to April 2020 were drawn from electronic notes. Analyses focused on age group differences and the characteristics associated with the use of GA for dental treatment. More cumulative caries experience, poorer oral hygiene, and more missing teeth were observed among those who were older. About half (50.8%) of the patients used GA for dental treatment. This proportion was higher among those who were younger, less independent, non-verbal, with poorer oral hygiene, or who had active decay.

Conclusion: Adults with ID are a heterogeneous population with unmet dental treatment needs. Different age groups require consideration of distinct characteristics for dental care provision. It is important to be for public sector service provision to be developed to consider predictors for GA service use in patients who are younger, less independent, non-verbal, or have active decay.