Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the state of dental treatment among disabled patients by the type of disability. After the medical records of 531 disabled patients who received treatment at the pediatric dentistry in K university hospital, the following findings were given: 1. As for age distribution by year, the rate of patients aged 10 or down rose to 42.5 from 5.1 percent, and the 16-20 age group increased from 16.7 to 24.8 percent. But the rates of patients aged between 11 and 15 and aged 21 and up were on the rise(p<.05). 2. Concerning the type of disability by year, there was an increase in the number of patients with brain lesions, mental retardation, developmental disorder and Down's syndrome(p<.05). As to the number of dental caries by the type of disability, the patients with heart diseases had the most dental caries that numbered 8.49, followed by Down's syndrome, metal retardation, brain lesions, the other disabilities and developmental disorder. 3. In relation to dental treatment experiences by the type of disability, the patients with developmental disorder(57.5%) received the most dental treatment, followed by mental retardation, the other disabilities, brain lesions, Down's syndrome and heart diseases(p<.05). 4. Regarding general anesthesia experience by the type of disability, the patients with mental retardation(31.6%) were put under general anesthesia the most, followed by developmental disorder, brain lesions, the other disabilities, heart diseases and Down's syndrome(p<.05). In conclusion, nationwide efforts to nurture separate dental personnels responsible for the disabled, to expand relevant facilities and to improve the health care insurance are required to promote the oral health of disabled children.
