Demographic and dental profile of patients met in the Dental Center for Patients with Special Needs of the Brazilian Association of Dentistry – Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the demographic and dental profile of patients with special needs met in a Reference Center in the state of Rio de Janeiro, showing their main needs and the possibility of outpatient care. Material and Methods: the sample consisted of 410 patients, from whom demographic and clinical data were obtained. All the studied variables were entered in a database for descriptive statistical analysis. Results: two hundred and twenty-seven (55%) patients were male, 70% were white, and their average age was 34 years old. Inconclusive diagnosis, followed by autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities, were the most found diagnoses. Most patients (78%) was from the metropolitan region. Regarding complaints and dental procedures, the main complaint was prevention (28%), and 2,902 procedures were performed. Concerning oral hygiene habits, 264 (64%) patients did not floss and 215 (52%) underwent toothbrushing three times a day. Only 57 (14%) cases required the use of sedative methods to carry out the dental treatment. Conclusion: there is a great demand for preventive and restorative treatments for patients with special needs, highlighting the need for daily strengthening practices of oral health promotion. In addition, we can see that most treatments performed were in the outpatient level, showing that the use of appropriate approach is essential for dental management, thus demystifying the care of these patients.

Keywords

• patients with special needs
• oral health
• dental treatment
• patients with disabilities
• special dentistry.