Objectives: This study aimed to assess the oral health status of the Toronto adult homeless population; to learn how they perceive their own oral health; and how they interact with the dental care system.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study collected data from 191 homeless adults who were randomly selected using a stratified cluster sample at 18 shelters. A questionnaire and clinical oral examination were conducted with participants.
Results: The mean Decayed/Missing/Filled Teeth (DMFT) score of the subjects was 14.4 (SD=8.1). Only 32% of them had visited a dentist during the last year; 75% believed that they had untreated dental conditions; and 40% had their last dental visit for emergency care. The clinical oral examination observed that 88% needed fillings, 70% periodontal, 60% prosthodontic and 40% emergency treatment.
Conclusion: Homeless adults in Toronto have poor oral health, significant oral health treatment needs and a lack of access to dental care.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:TORONTO/oai:tspace.library.utoronto.ca:1807/30591 |
| Date | 07 December 2011 |
| Creators | Figueiredo, Rafael L. F. |
| Contributors | Quiñonez, Carlos |
| Source Sets | University of Toronto |
| Language | en_ca |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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