Oral health care needs of certain institutionalized juvenile delinquents

ABSTRACT

Ninety-three institutionalized female juvenile delinquents aged 8-20 years were screened in order to assess their oral health needs and to find out how such needs were met. Owing to their very poor oral hygiene about 91 per cent of them required scale and polish. Gingivitis and tooth discoloration featured prominently among them. About 25.81 per cent had dental caries; but only 23.66 per cent required some restorative work. Lacks of funds was responsible for their accessibility to adequate dental care. It is suggested that such institutions be adequately funded to allow for the smooth-running of a good health care scheme. Oral health education should also be included in their curriculae to teach them basic care in order to improve their oral hygiene