Public dental health care program for persons with disability

The objectives of the study were (1) to describe the organization and content of the Danish public oral health care program for persons with disability, and (2) to analyse possible variations in relation to the goals and requirements set by the health authorities. Data were collected by means of self-administered questionnaires completed by the person responsible locally for the program in each municipality. The response rate was 84%. The following topics were included: (1) Number of persons attending the program, (2) procedure for identification of persons eligible for the program, (3) payment of service, (4) providers of oral health care, (5) special training of staff, 6) dental services delivered, (7) ethical issues, and (8) patient rights. Less than one-third of persons estimated by the health authorities were enrolled in the program. On average, 0.4% of the municipal population attended the program, ranging from 0.03% to 1.53%. In large municipalities, and where internal providers delivered oral health care, relatively more persons were enrolled in the program (p < 0.001). Overall, more than 20 categories of personnel were involved in the selection procedure; attitude and lack of knowledge of oral health and oral health care for persons with disability were barriers to equal access to the program. Preventive dental services were the most frequent services delivered, although relatively few oral hygienists were involved in the program. Special training was most frequent in large municipalities. To secure equal access for persons with disability, it is recommended that joint collaboration between smaller municipalities should be made regarding procedures of such programs. Special training of dental personnel and of the staff responsible for selecting persons for the program should be systematically organized at a higher administrative level. The pattern of dental services delivered justifies further involvement of oral hygienists in the program.