West Midlands Care Home Dental Survey 2011: part 2. Results of clinical survey of care home residents.

AIM

To determine the oral health status of a sample of care home residents and provide data to inform local needs assessments and commissioning decisions.

METHODS

A stratified sampling methodology was used to sample care homes; residents were then selected at random and invited to participate. The survey consisted of a short questionnaire and a clinical examination; it attempted to capture data relating to current oral health status, treatment need and suitability for treatment.

RESULTS

Of 1761 residents sampled, 848 residents (mean age: 80 years) were competent to and consented to participate in the survey. Of those who consented to a clinical examination, 56% were dentate and 43.6% edentate. Among dentate residents, there was a caries prevalence of 55.8%. Just over half of examined residents (52.7%) were thought to be in need of dental treatment, and potentially suitable to receive treatment.

CONCLUSION

These findings document the current state of oral health of a sample of care home residents in the West Midlands and provide valuable data to help inform strategic commissioning decisions. The particular oral health needs of this population group must be considered.