The analysis of dental treatments among the disabled in a charity dental clinic, Cheongju city
10.11149/jkaoh.2022.46.2.78
- Author:
Jae-In RYU
1
;
Hye-Ri JEONG
Author Information
1. Department of Preventive and Social Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Korean Academy of Oral Health
2022;46(2):78-84
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:Disabled people experience difficulties in accessing dental services. Some of them tend to rely on charity dental services due to financial reasons. The purpose of this study is to identify some of the treatment statuses of disabled people to aid in planning oral health policies.
Methods:This study analyzed the dental records of 141 patients from 2014 to 2019 in a charity dental clinic in Cheongju City. The demographic characteristics such as gender, age, area, social security, and type of disability of the patients were analyzed. Chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the sociodemographic factors related to dental treatments.
Results:Within the study population, 63.1% were men and 66.0% were older, over 40 years old. The type of disabilities showed significant differences in the possibilities of having periodontal treatments. The older people showed almost four times a higher risk of experiencing dental extractions than those who were younger, even after adjustments with sociodemographic factors.
Conclusions:Among disabled people, an older age corresponds to a much higher probability of extraction, making chewing difficult and leading to the deterioration of general health. It is therefore necessary to conduct a detailed and extended national oral health survey on people with disabilities to allow for the provision of systematic support.
