Researchers surveyed 808 caregivers with extensive experience providing care to adults with developmental disabilities in either family homes or supervised residences in Massachusetts.
The study found:
• 85 percent of adults with developmental disabilities received assistance with teeth cleaning
• 63 percent of caregivers reported that behavioral problems interfered with oral healthcare routines
“Oral health disparities among people with developmental disabilities are a significant public health issue,” said senior author Aviva Must, PhD, professor and chair of the department of public health and community medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. “We were surprised to find that, while 71.6 percent of paid caregivers who participated in our study reported having received formal group training in oral healthcare, only 6.4 percent of family caregivers reported the same. Given the vital role that caregivers play in promoting good oral health in this population, we need to ensure that all receive the guidance and support they need to be effective.”
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