Oral Health and Oral Health-Related Beliefs in Young Adults With a Mild Intellectual Disability.

Objective: Over 1.1 million people in the Netherlands have a mild intellectual disability (MID). This population also exhibits a higher prevalence of poor oral health. The present study aims to investigate the oral health status and oral health-related beliefs of young adults with MID and co-occurring challenges like mental health issues.

Material and methods: A questionnaire was administered to 76 individuals in residential care facilities of the Salvation Army in Amsterdam, accompanied by intraoral examinations. The study group comprised young adults (ages 18-29; mean 21.7 ± 2.5 years). Data were compared with a reference group of Dutch young adults of low socioeconomic position.

Results: No significant difference was found between the participants (4.8 ± 4.3) and the reference group (4.6; t(73) = 0.45, p > 0.05) mean DMFS scores. The average Locus of Control score (M = 23.6; scale 10-50) indicated no relationship between oral health beliefs and actual oral health status. Adjusting for whether participants had their own dentist, a weak negative correlation was observed between DMFS score and LOC (n = 30, r = -0.25, p = 0.04). The restorative care index was significantly lower in participants (33%) compared to the reference group (76%; Z = -5.72, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: These findings highlight the critical need for enhanced professional oral healthcare for young adults with MID, given their compromised oral hygiene and treatment backlog. A flexible, tailored approach is essential to meet the treatment needs of this population.