A school-based epidemiological study of dental neglect among adolescents in a deprived area of the UK

Objective To assess the prevalence of two types of dental neglect (DN) for adolescents attending secondary schools in a deprived inner city area: neglect of the prevention of oral disease (DPN) and neglect of dental treatment (DTN). Design This study used cross-sectional data from Phase III of the research with East London adolescents community health survey (RELACHS); a longitudinal school-based epidemiological study that followed up a representative random sample of pupils in 29 secondary schools across three boroughs of inner North East London. Participants were clinically examined and answered a supervised questionnaire. DN was assessed in relation to DPN (measured by reference to experience of dental conditions and/or dental pain) and DTN (measured by reference to experience of at least one untreated dental condition and/or dental pain). Dental conditions included dental caries and traumatic dental injuries. Results Four in ten adolescents in the study experienced DPN and five in ten experienced DTN. Adolescents with special educational needs without a statement, refugee and those 'looked after' by a local authority experienced a higher proportion of both types of DN. Conclusions In an inner city deprived area, the proportion of adolescents with DN (either DPN or DTN) was of significance. Refugee adolescents and looked after children may be more at risk of DN.