{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.03569230769230769, 'fraction_numerical': 0.017846153846153845, 'mean_word_length': 4.786476868327402, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 1, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
A program review of a community-based oral health care program for socially vulnerable and underserved citizens in Denmark

Abstract Objectives: To describe the oral health and oral health-related quality of life among social vulnerable adults enrolled in a special oral care program, and to evaluate the effect of oral care on their oral health-related quality of life. Method: Social workers identified social vulnerable persons in social centres and referred them to the program. Dental clinics were arranged including a well-motivated staff to be special responsive to these clients. The participants, (n = 235, mean age 43.5 years) with drug abuse, being homeless, permanently unemployed, or with mental problems were offered low-cost treatment services. Data collection was made by clinical registration and questionnaires. Oral health-related quality of life was measured by means of the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 index (OHIP-14). Results: 94% of the participants had actual decayed teeth (mean 9.5). Forty-four per cent had not visited a dentist within 5 years and less than one-third reported tooth brushing twice a day, 17% even less frequent. One hundred and forty-six completed the dental program within the program period. Mean OHIP-14 score was 28.6 at baseline. Among those who fulfilled the program, the OHIP-14 score was reduced to 9.9 (p < .001). Conclusion: Oral health among the study population was very poor. However, oral problems in this group can be solved, and their oral health-related quality of life can be increased although it requires special arrangements and special clinical environment.