Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
June 2015
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Vol:
16
Issue:
2

Follow-up of Special Olympics athletes post oral health screenings

Follow-up of Special Olympics athletes post oral health screenings
A Pradhan


Abstract
Aim and objectives: This paper explores actions taken on notification of dental treatment needs among Special Olympics (SO) athletes from oral health screenings at the SO via telephone. It also compares the level of agreement between dental pain reported by SO athletes and dental treatment need identified by screening dentists and describes oral health ratings post dental treatment. Methods: At the National SO Games (2010), dentists screened consenting SO athletes (n= 286; ≥18 years old). Each athlete received a dental report and a list of dentists willing to provide treatment. Five months post-screening, of the 113 SO athletes screened as needing treatment, carers of the first 54 SO athletes contacted (Group I) were interviewed to determine if treatment had commenced. Those who had not acted on the notification were reminded of the dental treatment needs. Ten months post-screening, all SO athletes screened as needing treatment were followed-up. Responses from Group I were compared with Group II (35 SO athletes who did not receive a telephone reminder at five months, but only a follow-up at ten months). Results: Less than 50% of parents/carers received the screening reports given to SO athletes. Few SO athletes (4.5%) reported dental pain whilst the dental treatment need identified by dentists was significantly higher (39.5%). A significantly higher proportion of SO athletes in Group I (83.3%) commenced dental treatment compared to Group II (51.4%) (p<0.01). Carers reported improved oral health ratings post dental treatment. Conclusions: Telephone reminders encouraged effective action on notification of dental treatment needs, with improved reported oral health ratings.

Key words: Dental behaviours, Special Olympics athletes, follow-up, oral health screening

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£
Page Start
49
Page End
53
Authors
A Pradhan

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