Semmelweis University

Present and Future Perspectives on the Dental and Oral Surgical Care of Patients Requiring Special Needs Treatment

Szmirnova Ilona

Clinical Medicine

Dr. Fekete Andrea

SE Arc-, Állcsont-, Szájsebészeti és Fogászati Klinika előadóterme

2025-09-04 11:00:00

Dental Research

Dr. Varga Gábor

Dr. Szabó György

Dr. Gyulai- Gaál Szabolcs

Dr. Szalma József

Dr. Hermann Péter Miklós

Dr. Kivovics Péter

Dr. Fráter Márk

Dental care for individuals with intellectual disability presents increasing challenges to modern healthcare systems. In cases of severe impairment, treatment is often only feasible under general anesthesia. Between October 2014 and December 2018, 1,717 adults with intellectual disability were treated under general anesthesia at the Department of Oro- Maxillofacial Surgery and Stomatology, Semmelweis University. To assess their dental status, data from a representative sample of 325 patients were analyzed using the DMFT index (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth), with comparisons to patients undergoing medical rehabilitation and the general population. Patients were categorized based on the severity of their disability. A preventive oral health program was launched for 49 residents at the Csömör Nursing Home, with follow-ups at three and six months. While access to acute care has improved, rehabilitation and prevention remain unmet needs. Patients in institutions had worse dental conditions than those living with families, and greater severity of disability was associated with more untreated carious teeth. Although the DMF-T index showed little change over time, periodontal improvement was noted in the prevention group. No national-level surveys currently exist in Hungary to assess the dental needs of this population. International studies confirm that oral disease prevalence increases with both age and severity of disability. Oral hygiene is generally poor, and patients and caregivers often lack training and motivation. Beyond acute care, services remain insufficient. Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential. The findings confirm that individuals with intellectual disability experience more neglected oral health than the general population, and even small improvements in hygiene can yield significant benefits. Prevention and expanded access to restorative care are vital to improving outcomes in this vulnerable group.