Challenges and strategies in dental care for patients with intellectual disabilities in Hungary

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BACKGROUND: Providing adequate dental care and implementing preventive strategies for patients with intellectual disabilities (ID) pose significant challenges in Hungary, where approximately 100,000 individuals with ID require specialized dental care. This study aimed to objectively assess the dental and periodontal care needs of patients with ID in comparison to the general population and those with physical disabilities. Additionally, we developed and evaluated a program focusing on acute treatment and the prevention of dental diseases. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted over a 5-year period, involving the demographics and therapeutic outcomes of 1717 patients with ID who received dental care. Initial screening of dental status was performed for 350 patients with ID, and a structured preventive care program was developed and implemented for 49 patients. RESULTS: Over the 5 years, 8147 dental interventions were performed under general anesthesia without major complications. Compared to the general population, patients with ID exhibited poorer Decayed and Missing scores but more favorable Filled scores based on the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index. The implementation of preventive measures led to significant improvements in periodontal health within 3-6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the success of preventive measures, the overall therapeutic outcomes in patients with ID were suboptimal, with caries and periodontal diseases increasing with age and severity of disability. Structured oral hygiene programs are essential to improving the oral health of this vulnerable population.

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