title: Prosthodontic status and needs of elderly institutionalized residents in Mangalore: a prospective study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study is to assess the prevalence of Kennedy's classification, status of existing prosthodontic appliances if any, awareness of the subjects regarding various treatment options, and treatment needs in a group of elderly institutionalized residents.
  
  
  METHODS
  The subjects were selected from various old age homes present in Mangalore city, with ages ranging from 60 to 80 years. The subjects were interviewed and examined by a single trained examiner and findings were recorded on a clinical case history report sheet.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Kennedy's class I was most prevalent and class IV the least. Among the subjects examined, only 12.4% were wearing prosthesis. Based on the Nevalainen's index and Karslon's index, most of the prosthodontic appliances were found to be in poor condition. 86% of the subjects were in need of prosthodontic treatment. 75% of the subjects interviewed were unaware of the treatment options available.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The elderly patients living in institutions do not achieve a deserving and satisfactory oral health care. The oral care assistance in institutionalized elderly patients has been an unfulfilled service.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Prashanti
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Eachempati
authors.forename: Vidya K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Shenoy
authors.forename: Neha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jain
authors.forename: Sukhdip
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D016321:Dental Care for Aged; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009066:Mouth, Edentulous / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009909:Oral Health; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011476:Prosthodontics