Assessment of the oral health status of the medically compromised homebound geriatric patient: a descriptive pilot study.

This pilot study was designed to assess the oral health status of homebound elderly and determine their dental care needs. Fifty-one subjects enrolled in a hospital-based home care program were recruited for this study. Subjects were visited in their homes by both a dentist and a physician. Care plans and medications were reviewed for each subject. Initial assessments to receive informed written consent were conducted by the physician. Oral health assessments by the dentist included comprehensive examinations for soft tissue pathology, periodontal health, caries, restoration, and tooth condition, as well as existing prosthesis assessment, plaque index, and grip strength. A Physical Self-Maintenance Scale was administered in order to determine the level of dependence of this population for their oral hygiene self-care. The oral health status of these homebound elderly was found to be poor, with 84% of the subjects requiring dental care.