Self-reported and clinically diagnosed dental needs among institutionalized adults in Vijayawada: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Frail and functionally dependent elderly people, living in institutions, have difficulties in accessing dental care. Hence, the present study aims to determine the relationship between subjective need and the equivalent clinical findings in an attempt to understand the factors that contribute to individual's perception of the need for dental care among institutionalized adults in Vijayawada. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study is conducted in all old age homes in Vijayawada. A total of 182 subjects were interviewed with a questionnaire consisting of demographic details, dental behavior (last visit, reason for the last visit), and self-rating of oral health and impact of oral problems, followed by the clinical examination for oral mucosal condition, dentition status and treatment needs, prosthetic status and treatment needs, and periodontal status by using World Health Organization proforma. RESULTS: Results showed that normative needs of subjects are significantly more than the self-perceived needs. Response of subjects regarding their present condition of mouth and teeth is 65.4% of subjects reported good and 0.5% reported poor, with respective to perceived oral symptoms 61.9% of subjects’ complaints of hypersensitivity and 23.1% of subjects were having toothache and 80.5% subjects are having difficulty in eating. The overall prevalence of complete Edentulous and require complete denture was 12.1%, and 60.4% required partial denture. CONCLUSION: About half of the participants confirmed need for problem-oriented dental care. The main reason for the problems faced by the institutionalized people is due to lack of teeth which could be prevented by appropriate care.