A program review of a community-based oral health care program for socially vulnerable and underserved citizens in Denmark

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the oral health and oral health-related quality of life among social vulnerable adults enrolled in a special oral care program, and to evaluate the effect of oral care on their oral health-related quality of life.

Method: Social workers identified social vulnerable persons in social centres and referred them to the program. Dental clinics were arranged including a well-motivated staff to be special responsive to these clients. The participants, (n = 235, mean age 43.5 years) with drug abuse, being homeless, permanently unemployed, or with mental problems were offered low-cost treatment services. Data collection was made by clinical registration and questionnaires. Oral health-related quality of life was measured by means of the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 index (OHIP-14).

Results: 94% of the participants had actual decayed teeth (mean 9.5). Forty-four per cent had not visited a dentist within 5 years and less than one-third reported tooth brushing twice a day, 17% even less frequent. One hundred and forty-six completed the dental program within the program period. Mean OHIP-14 score was 28.6 at baseline. Among those who fulfilled the program, the OHIP-14 score was reduced to 9.9 (p < .001).

Conclusion: Oral health among the study population was very poor. However, oral problems in this group can be solved, and their oral health-related quality of life can be increased although it requires special arrangements and special clinical environment.