Dental health profile of a population with mental retardation in Israel.

The dental status and treatment needs of Israeli children and adults with mental retardation were studied in a random sample of 387 subjects. Four levels of mental retardation were represented: (1) educable (n = 70), (2) trainable (n = 92), (3) with mental retardation and behavioral problems (n = 106), and (4) with mental retardation and severe physical handicap (n = 119). The total age-adjusted DMF-T was 12.78 and differed significantly by behavioral group (p < 0.001); the M-T was 10.70 for the educable group compared with 5.52 for the group with mental retardation and severe physical handicap. Total treatment needs included a participant mean of 3.32 for restorations and 0.61 for extractions. Institutions having dental clinics had higher participant mean DMF-T, D-T, M-T, and F-T values (p < 0.05) compared with those institutions which had no clinics (16.04 vs. 9.74; 5.17 vs. 5.06; 9.45 vs. 4.16; 1.41 vs. 0.52). Age-adjusted CPITN scores significantly differed by behavioral group; the group with mental retardation and severe physical handicap had the highest CPITN 3 category mean score of 2.93 compared with x = 1.89 for the educable group; however, the educable group had the most sextants with no teeth (x = 2.48). Findings confirm high dental morbidity and significant oral health differences by behavior group, age, and dental clinic status. Advanced training is recommended for dental providers and the staffs of institutions to enhance oral health outcomes.