Prosthetic status and treatment needs among elder's in old-age homes of Bengaluru city, India: A cross- sectional survey

Context: The estimation of treatment need is an important requirement in oral health care planning. Among the many diseases and disabilities that the elderly suffer from, diseases related to the oral cavity occupy an important place. In this regard, loss of teeth in the elderly is a major concern. Objective: To assess the dental prosthetic status and treatment needs among elderly residing in old-age homes of Bengaluru city, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 15 old-age homes in Bengaluru city, India using stratified random sampling method in which 376 elderly subjects aged 60 years and above were examined. Data was collected using a validated questionnaire which record demographic details, oral hygiene practices, oral health habits and recording of prosthetic status and treatment needs were carried out using World Health Organisation (WHO) oral health assessment form (1997). Descriptive statistics and chi – square test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Out of 376 elderly residents 150(39.9%) were male and 226(60.1%) were females in which, nearly half of the residents had no prosthesis respectively. Need for full prosthesis was more among males (21.3%) and nearly 20.1% elderly female required one-unit prosthesis. Conclusion: The prosthetic status of people living in old-age homes of Bengaluru city, India was very poor and there existed a high unmet need for prosthetic care.