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Updated: Sep 21, 2025
08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
13.0K
Are adults with autism receiving regular preventive dental services?
Robin McNeil1, Kimberly Krust Bray2, Tanya Villalpando Mitchell1
1The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
Summary
Preventive dental care is infrequent in adults with autism, with only 35% receiving annual visits. The number of medications was the only factor significantly associated with receiving regular preventive dental care.
Area of Science:
- Oral health research
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research
- Public health
Background:
- Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have complex health needs.
- Access to and utilization of preventive dental care is crucial for overall health.
- Understanding preventive care patterns in this population is essential for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of preventive dental care utilization among adults with autism.
- To identify factors associated with receiving regular preventive dental care in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of de-identified electronic health records for adults (≥18 years) with autism.
- Inclusion criteria: at least one recorded preventive dental procedure.
- Statistical analysis to describe care frequency and identify associated variables.
Main Results:
- Study included 119 adults with autism (67% male, average age 30.8).
- High prevalence of comorbidities: 58% had Medicaid, 86% mental health problems, 34% heart disease, 16% diabetes.
- Only 35% of adults with autism had at least one preventive dental visit annually; medication count was the sole significant predictor.
Conclusions:
- A significant gap exists in annual preventive dental care for adults with autism.
- Findings highlight the need for improved access and tailored strategies to enhance oral healthcare for adults with autism.
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