Oral Ill-health and Deprivation among Patients of a General Dental Practice in South Wales

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Abstract
Purpose of study This study aims to establish and report on whether individuals from deprived areas suffer more ill health than adults from areas considered not to be deprived when visiting a general dental practice. Basic procedures Between December 1998 and June 1999 registered dental patients over 18 years of age attending for routine care completed a questionnaire measuring functional, experiential and psychosocial impact of oral ill health. In addition the clinical impact of ill health was established from the patient examination and record card. Clinical outcome was assessed by numbers of standing teeth, oral health was assessed using the Subjective Oral Health Status Indicators (SOHSI). The patient's postcode was used to categorise individuals from areas of different deprivation states. Main findings 99% were dentate with 88.4% having more than 20 teeth. A total of 71.8% were able to eat satisfactorily, 88.2% were able to speak satisfactorily, 54.6% were discontent, 99.4% were worried about their oral health and appearance, 62.8% were satisfied with their oral health, 44.8% experienced discomfort, 65.8% experienced other symptoms, and 86.8% experienced ‘general well-being’. No differences were observed for clinical measures between the deprived groups. Only three out of eight oral health measures showed any differences between the deprived groups, namely, ability to speak, discontent and general well-being. More individuals from deprived areas experienced these impacts. Principal conclusions It was anticipated that individuals from deprived areas would experience greater ill-health: this outcome was not as marked as expected.