The impact of dental neglect on oral health: a population based study in Hong Kong.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess dental neglect (DN) among Hong Kong citizens, to identify socio-demographic variations in DN and to determine the association between DN and oral health (self-reported).


METHODS
Cross sectional population based study involving a random sample of 800 Hong Kong Chinese adults.


METHODS
Telephone interview incorporating the dental neglect scale, assessment of self-reported oral health including an oral health related quality of life measure.


RESULTS
The response rate was 70% (556/800). Mean dental neglect score of the population was 14.81 (S.D. 3.62) [possible range 6 to 30]. Most commonly, people were neglectful of using professional dental health care. Socio-demographic disparities in DN were apparent, in relation to age (P < 0.05), income (P < 0.05) and educational attainment (P < 0.05). DN was associated with self-reported oral health: denture status (P < 0.05), number of teeth possessed (P < 0.05) and oral health related quality of life (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Dental neglect is widespread in Hong Kong, particularly neglect of professional dental care. Socio-demographic disparities in dental neglect were apparent. Dental neglect is associated with self-reported oral health status including how oral health impacts on life quality. These findings have implications in understanding the impact of dental neglect.
McGrath
Colman
C
Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, China. mcgrathc@hkucc.hku.hk
Sham
Arthur See-King
AS
Ho
Dominic King Lun
DK
Wong
Janet Hok Ling
JH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D003729:Dental Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006304:Health Status; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009909:Oral Health; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors