Oral health survey and service for children and adolescents in residential care

Abstract

Background: For a variety of reasons, a number of children and adolescents are cared for in residential care homes in Hong Kong. Understanding their oral health needs and helping them develop appropriate life skills for oral health are important. Aims: Our community health project aimed to determine Oral Health Knowledge (OHK), Oral Health Attitudes (OHA) and Oral Health Behaviours (OHB) of older children and adolescents in residential care and variations that existed, in addition to providing a clinical oral health screening and outreach dental services. Methods: Five residential care homes were invited to participate in an oral health survey of OHK, OHA and OHB among residents. Variations with respect to age, gender and length of time in care was determined. Residents were invited to a clinical oral health assessment and to receive dental care. Results: The response rate to the survey was 75.4% (147/ 195). The mean overall OHK scores was 7.4 (SD 1.8), approximately half of possible score. The mean attitude score was 29.7 (SD 4.3), approximately 75% of total possible scores. Most (86.4%, 124) claimed to brush their teeth regularly (twice a day or more); 27.2% (40) reported to snack regularly ‘in between’ meals and 52.2% (77) were regular dental attenders. Variations were apparent in behaviours: gender was associated with tooth brushing behaviour (p<0.05); length of time in residency was associated with snacking habit (p<0.05); and age was associated with dental attendance (p<0.05). A limited number of residents (28) availed of oral health screening and dental care. Oral hygiene was poor with few having a healthy periodontal status. Half had evidence of established caries lesion requiring restorative care. Early caries lesions were common, requiring preventive services. Conclusions: Among child/adolescent residents there were deficits in oral health knowledge. Oral health attitudes were favorable as was the practice of tooth brushing regularly. Snacking in between meal was common and regular dental attendance was relatively low. Variations in knowledge, attitudes and behaviours existed.