Oral health concerns among incarcerated youth

Incarcerated youth are an especially vulnerable population at high risk for illness and disability. Oral health is a serious problem among incarcerated populations that often is unaddressed, unreported and unresearched. Because untreated oral health problems adversely affect the ability to eat, learn, sleep and develop healthy self-esteem, they can substantially affect young people's behavior, both in and out of detention facilities, and thus should be assessed, studied and treated. Beginning in 2002, Rady Children's Hospital's Center for Healthier Communities' (CHC) Juvenile Hall Wellness Team has provided health education classes for incarcerated youth in San Diego County. In 2010 oral health education classes were added in the short-term detention facility, conducted by Oral Health Specialists from the CHC's Anderson Center for Dental Care. Over time, the content of the one-hour classes has been changed to reflect specific concerns expressed by the youth in the Q & A sessions following each class. Pre- and post-tests were conducted to determine the effectiveness of the learning experience. As of 2-9-12, a total of 541 youth have participated in the classes. In fall 2011, we submitted a request to the Probation Operations Board to conduct oral health assessments for the youth. As a pilot, Anderson Center was provided access to the long-term detention facility in November 2011. Education, referral information for use upon release and assessments for 76 youth ages 16-20 were provided. Data collected, both from the education sessions and the assessments, and recommendations for future programs will be presented.