Oral health status of patients with special needs from a rehabilitation association in Curitiba (PR, Brazil)

ABSTRACT

Introduction:Patients with special needs commonly show significant systemic and oral diseases. Objective:We carried out a survey on the oral health status from individuals with special needs of Associação Paranaense de Reabilitação (APR), in Curitiba, PR, Brazil. Material and methods: Clinical oral examination was performed and a specific questionnaire was applied to 87 individuals, aged from 5 to 14 years-old. Results: The mean age average was 9 yearsold, and 57.5% were males. The mean DMFT was 1.4, and 54% of the sample showed DMFT = zero. The oral health status from the studied sample was similar to that found in the same age group of the general population. Conclusion: We indicate that strategies for controlling oral health diseases tailored for this group must be stimulated, once the vulnerability is present.