Dental treatment needs among hospitalized adult mental patients.

This survey determines the dental care needs of hospitalized adults with psychiatric and mental disorders. Comprehensive clinical and radiographic oral examinations, conducted on 33% of the patients in a large state mental hospital, found that extensive unmet needs existed in this population. The major requirements were for prophylaxis, calculus removal, and periodontal therapy. The patients' needs varied depending on several demographic factors, including length of hospitalization and psychiatric diagnoses.