THE BENEFIT OF DENTAL-CARE TO AN ELDERLY POPULATION ASSESSED USING A SOCIODENTAL MEASURE OF ORAL HANDICAP

The provision of dental care is based on the assumption that it contributes to quality of life. One hundred elderly people requesting dental care were interviewed and treated. Assessment was made using a sociodental index as well as clinical criteria. The index measured four categories of oral handicap (impairment of function, comfort, self-image and social interaction) prior to treatment and any benefit conferred by the treatment. Seventy-four per cent benefited from treatment. The greatest improvements were in self-image and social interaction. Function was the most difficult category to satisfy. One third of subjects whose oral function was compromised before treatment were still in this state after treatment. © 1990 Nature Publishing Group. All rights reserved.