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Updated: Oct 22, 2025

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
The Largest Minority Population With Unmet Oral Health Needs? Individuals With Disabilities
Steven P Perlman1, Allen Wong2, Jack Dillenberg3
1Global Clinical Director, Special Olympics, Special Smiles; Clinical Professor of Pediatric Dentistry, Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.
Abstract:
People with disabilities develop the same health problems that affect the general population. Some may be more susceptible to developing chronic conditions because of the influence of behavioral risk factors such as increased physical inactivity. In addition, people with disabilities are more likely to be overweight or obese and to smoke. People with disabilities are at a greater risk of being a victim of violence than those without disabilities. The oral health of many people with disabilities is poor, and access to dental care is limited.
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