A retrospective review and analysis of the need for a hospital-based dental care program for the adult with disabilities

grantor: University of TorontoThe primary objective of this investigation was to generate a medical and dental profile of the 1384 patients currently attending the Mount Sinai Hospital Dental Program for Persons with Disabilities, to determine which patients require dental care in that setting. The secondary objective was to determine the patient's perception on their need for treatment in a hospital-based dental clinic by means of a questionnaire sent out to 706 of the patients. Results indicate that the profile of a patient who is likely to require treatment in a hospital-based dental program is primarily associated with the presence of moderate to profound mental retardation (39.5%) and/or moderate to severe behavioural problems (31.1%). The patients who perceived the need for hospital-based dental care and actually appear to require this service can be identified by overall poor behaviour (86.7%) and relative non-cooperation at other medical visits (52.3%). Mental retardation and behaviour problems are the predominant determinants of a person's character profile which may be used to readily screen for patients who require care in a hospital-based dental program. These criteria can be utilized to select patients who qualify for care in a hospital-based dental clinic as well as to refer patients who do not meet the criteria to appropriate community-based dental facilities.M.Sc