Oral health status of special health care needs children attending a day care centre in Chennai

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Oral health is an important aspect of health for all children and is all the more important for children with

special needs.

AIM: To evaluate the oral health status of special health need children at Vidya Sudha, a day care centre in Chennai.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: A modified WHO oral health assessment form was used to assess the caries experience,

gingival, and oral hygiene status.

RESULT: Data were analyzed using ANOVA and chi-square test. No statistical significant differences were found between the

evaluated groups regarding age or gender, and medical conditions.

CONCLUSION: Majority of the children had poor oral hygiene, showing high caries prevalence as well as moderate gingivitis.