Evaluation of Dentofacial Changes and Teporomadibular Joint Status of MentallyChallenged Individuals Attending Special Schools in Vadodara District, Gujarat,India

Objectives: A cross sectional study was conducted to investigate the Dentofacial changes and TMJ status and of mentally challenged individuals attending special schools in Vadodara District, Gujarat India. Materials & Methods: A total of 277 individuals were surveyed of which 205 were males and 72 were females.The data was collected by using the WHO 1997 methodology. Results: Clicking was the only positive finding observed for TMJ and it was seen in 11.02% of the study subjects. Tenderness and reduced jaw mobility was not seen among any of the study subjects. Crowding and spacing of anterior teeth was seen in 47.95% and 33.91% of the study subjects respectively. Anterior open bite was seen in 8.18% of the study subjects Molar discrepancy of half a cusp mesial or distal to normal was seen in 25.73% of the study subjects and 24.56% of the study subjects had molar discrepancy of one cusp or more mesial or distal to that of normal. Definite malocclusion was seen in 19.29%, severe malocclusion in 24 (14.03%) study subjects and 33 (19.29%) subjects had very severe malocclusion. Conclusions: Dentofacial changes and TMJ status of Mentally Challanged Individuals attending special school in Vadodara District, Gujarat, India is poor with a greater deficit between the needs and services availability.