- R Gluzman: Department of Epidemiology & Health Promotion, NYU College of Dentistry, NY, USA.
OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the oral health status, dental utilization and dental needs of the homebound elderly (HBE) care patients within the Mount Sinai Visiting Doctor program.
METHODS: Of the 334 eligible patients, 57% agreed to participate and 95.4% completed the clinical examinations, the Dental Utilization and Needs survey and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index conducted in each subject's home by a trained research team.
RESULTS: Among 75% who were dentate subjects, 40% needed restorative dental care, 45.6% needed dental extractions, and 33% complained of current oral pain. Overall, 92.0% needed some type of dental care and 96% stated that they had not seen a dentist since they became homebound (mean number of years in program = 3.2 ± 2.58).
CONCLUSION: Findings show the oral health status of these homebound elderly was poor and their quality of life was significantly affected by the lack of basic dental care.