title: OHRQoL in a Sample of Alcohol and Drug Abusers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) in a large sample of substance abusers and to evaluate the effect of dental treatment on OHRQoL.
  
  
  METHODS
  A longitudinal observational study.
  
  
  METHODS
  A dental care clinic specialized in treating severely addicted patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of severely addicted substance abusers.
  
  
  METHODS
  OHRQoL was measured using the OHIP-14, which was filled out at baseline (T0), prior to the first treatment session (T1), after about 6 treatment sessions (T2) and on the last day of treatment (T3).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean OHIP scores did not change from T0 to T1. At T1, a mean OHIP-14 total score = 37.1 (sd=12.4, N = 392) was found. The highest mean scores were observed for the subscales physical pain and psychological discomfort. Data from 129 patients was available on both T1 and T2. The mean OHIP-14 total score reduced significantly (mean difference = 5.63, 95% CI 3.76 - 7.51), t(128)=5.94, p <0.001. The highest reduction in mean score was found for the subscale physical pain (mean difference = 1.24, 95%CI 0.81 - 1.66). Also between T2 and T3 a significant reduction in OHIP-14 total score (mean difference = 2.41, 95%CI 0.06-4.76) took place.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The oral health status of substance abusers does have a substantial effect on their quality of life, which can be improved to a great extent by dental treatment based on a model tailored to addicted patients.
authors: ACTA, Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004, 1081 LA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors: A J
authors: AJ
authors: van Wijk
authors: Centrum Bijzondere Tandheelkunde, Heinzestraat 2, 1071 SK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Molendijk
authors: ACTA, Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004, 1081 LA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; TNO, Wassenaarseweg 36, 2301 CE, Leiden, The Netherlands.
authors: G H W
authors: GH
authors: Verrips
keywords: Dental treatment; Drug addicts; Oral health related quality of life; Special care dentistry