Journal of Oral Health and Community Dentistry

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VOLUME 14 , ISSUE 3 ( September-December, 2020 ) > List of Articles

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Effectiveness of a Portable Dental Hygiene Outreach Program in Improving the Oral Health of Disabled Adults

Roberto Ferro, Valerio Dainese, Luca Benacchio, Alberto Besostri, Armando Olivieri

Citation Information : Ferro R, Dainese V, Benacchio L, Besostri A, Olivieri A. Effectiveness of a Portable Dental Hygiene Outreach Program in Improving the Oral Health of Disabled Adults. J Oral Health Comm Dent 2020; 14 (3):88-92.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10062-0079

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 25-01-2021

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2020; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aim and objective: The aim of the article was to assess the effectiveness of a portable outreach oral hygiene program for people with disabilities attending daytime centers for disabled (DCD). Materials and methods: Professional oral hygiene sessions were provided at the DCDs using a portable dental equipment in the Local Health Unit (LHU) n.6—Veneto Region—Italy. Patients were grouped by the total number of sessions performed. Clinical primary outcome was bleeding on probing (BoP) index. We compared mean bleeding index (BI) among subjects groups at baseline and at the end of the follow-up (2009–2016). A trend in BI across groups was evaluated. Results: From May 2009 to March 2016, 345 subjects were routinely examined and treated regarding their oral hygiene needs. A clear (statistically significant) improvement in each level of the chosen index was recorded. Conclusions: The program is effective in improving the oral health in this underserved population. Clinical significance: This portable outreach program provides a measurable progressive improvement in the periodontal health; a progressive time reduction of each session; a facilitated access to oral health treatment; and an augmented compliance of the oral hygiene sessions.


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