Use of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index in evaluation of the oral health of patients in the private sector

OBJECTIVE To assess the oral health of elderly patients who made use the private dental services using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaire, which was developed to evaluate the oral health of older people. METHOD The sample comprised 102 elderly dental patients with a range of educational levels and monthly income. The survey was conducted between November 2016 and February 2017, using "occasional" sampling. For the data collection, the questionnaires were handed out to prospective participants, who completed them on the spot, after being informed of the purpose of the survey. RESULTS According to the GOHAI index, the oral health status of the participants and the self-assessed appearance of their mouths were of a low level. The socioeconomic status and the gender did not affect the oral health, but the age of the patients appeared to have an influence on their oral health. In addition, their working status and their preventive measures had an impact on their oral health status. Their general health and the appearance of the mouth were associated with self-perception of good oral health of the participants. CONCLUSIONS According to the GOHAI score, the oral health status of elderly patients receiving private dental care is low, and their self-evaluation of the appearance of their mouth is also low. The most important predictive factors of good oral health are good general health and preventive visits to the dentist.