Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
June 2015
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Vol:
16
Issue:
2

The challenges of oral health data collection among people with intellectual disabilities: results from Special Olympics Australia



The challenges of oral health data collection among people with intellectual disabilities: results from Special Olympics Australia
A Pradhan


Abstract
Aim and objectives: To describe the oral health and dental behaviours of Special Olympics (SO) athletes in Australia and highlight the challenges of oral health data collection among people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Methodology: Volunteer dentists screened consenting SO athletes (n= 286; ≥18 years old) at the SO Australian National Games (2010) and 113 were referred for dental treatment. Oral health data collected included: the extent of untreated decay (D>0), missing teeth (M>0), filled teeth (F>0), mean DMFT, tooth wear, oral hygiene measures (plaque and calculus) and gingival status. Post-screening, the carers of a sub-sample of SO athletes needing dental treatment were called to determine the characteristics of SO athletes and their dental behaviours. Results: The prevalence of untreated decay among SO athletes was 25%. The prevalence of plaque and calculus was 29% and 18% respectively and gingivitis was present in 22% of the athletes. Tooth wear was more common in anterior (41%) than posterior teeth (30%). Only about 50% of SO athletes reported twice daily toothbrushing. Likewise, less than 50% of SO athletes had visited the dentist within the last 12 months. Conclusions: The low participation (avoidance by anxious SO athletes and reliance on coaches for screening) and conditions with varying degrees of severity may have affected the oral health results. Yet, untreated preventable oral conditions among SO athletes highlights shortcomings in dental behaviours and unmet treatment needs. Discrepancies in self reporting by SO athletes suggest the need to involve carers for reliable data collection on people with ID.

Key words: Intellectual disabilities, oral health, data collection, Special Olympics athletes

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£
Page Start
43
Page End
48
Authors
A Pradhan

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