A one-year follow-up of an oral health care programme for residents with severe behavioural disorders at special nursing homes in Denmark.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a one-year follow-up study of an oral health care programme in special nursing homes for citizens with severe behavioural disorders.


METHODS
An oral health care programme for residents (n = 264) at special nursing homes, which included an initial oral examination, subsequent dental treatment based on the principles of realistic treatment need and visits by a hygienist every three months, was evaluated one year after implementation.


RESULTS
The follow-up data revealed a significant decrease in the mean number of teeth with primary decay and periodontal treatment need. Also less calculus and visible plaque were present. Regarding denture related conditions, a decrease was found in the presence of traumatic ulcers, denture stomatitis and the need for prosthodontic treatment. Finally, an improvement in denture hygiene was observed. A high rate of participation in the programme was obtained.


CONCLUSIONS
Professional dental intervention has an effect on oral health indicators even when introduced to rather unapproachable recipients of dental care services.
Vigild
M
M
Department of Community Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Brinck
J J
JJ
Hede
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004245:DMF Index; D003718:Denmark; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003752:Dental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders; D008875:Middle Aged; D009735:Nursing Homes; D009911:Oral Hygiene Index; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010512:Periodontal Index; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013282:Stomatitis, Denture / Q000517:prevention & control