Association between Oral Health Impact Profile and General Health scores for patients seeking dental implants.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between the short form, 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) for patients requiring restorative dental work on Implant Assessment Clinic at Guy's Dental Institute.

METHODS

A total of 216 patients aged 18-83 years old were recruited when attended the Implant Assessment Clinic. Restorative treatment needs were classified as hypodontia, trauma related missing teeth, edentulousness (complete denture wearers) and partially dentate (removable partial denture wearers). The OHIP-14, which assesses the adverse impact of oral conditions on quality of life and GHQ-12, a measure of global distress, were subsequently completed by the patients.

RESULTS

Statistical analyses showed that there is a strong correlation between OHIP-14 and GHQ-12 within all the categories of treatment needs (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The impact of oral health on the life quality of these patients seeking dental implant treatment was strongly associated with the General Health Questionnaire status.