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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Emilee Langer, BS, MPH, Special Smiles, LTD, 100 E. Lehigh Avenue, Centennial Two, Philadelphia, PA 19125, 215-707-0580, specialsmilesltd@msn.com and Jonathan Chiao, School of Public Health, Drexel University, Bellet Buliding, 15th and Race Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19102.

Objective This study intended to identify significant relationships between periodontal status and place of residence, mental retardation classification, chronic illness, mental health disorders, race and gender.

Methods The examiner reviewed dental charts on 613 adults treated at Special Smiles, LTD. Information about Mental Retardation Classification, Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, Autism, chronic illness, and mental health disorders was combined with demographic information about age, gender, ethnicity, place of residence, and oral health status, including decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) and periodontal status. Chi-square tests were performed after controlling for age to test for relationships between these variables using SPSS 13.0 for Windows.

Results Analysis showed significant relationships between periodontal status and place of residence, Downs Syndrome, Autism, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and personality disorders within specific age groups. Additional significance was apparent between severe and profound mental retardation and the number of decayed and filled permanent teeth. Race was a predictor of the number of decayed and missing permanent teeth, but gender was only loosely related to the number of decayed permanent teeth for males less than 20 years.

Conclusion The information in this report suggests that poor oral health may be related to overall health outcomes, and reinforces the need to improve access to oral care for this vulnerable population and may prevent costly long-term health consequences. Limitations due to selection bias must be considered prior to drawing conclusions.

Learning Objectives:

• To increase knowledge of significant relationships between periodontal disease status among individuals with mental retardation and place of residence, chronic illness, and mental health disorders.

Related Web page: www.specialsmilesltd.com

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation