Epidemiological profile of people with special needs assisted at a dental clinic

Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of 35 special needs patients (SNP) assisted at a dental clinic. Methods: A descriptive and qualitative study, part documental, part observational, which data were obtained from dental reports and complemented by information from the caregivers accompanying the SNP. The studied variables for delineating the epidemiological profile were: age, sex, marital status, and origin; diagnosis, performance of non-paid activity, dental assistance and characterization of the caregivers. Results: Among the 35 SNP, 19 (54.3%) were females; aged between 1 and 45 years (mean 16 ± 10 years), mainly in the 1-15 age group (57.1%). All of them were single, 24 (68.6%) were from cities related to the 9th DIR (Health Regional Department) of Barretos and 11 (31.4%) from cities not related to the city DIR. All of them received a mental deficiency diagnosis, from which 31.4% had only this deficiency diagnosis and the others had diagnosis of mental deficiency associated with another disorder. None performed any kind of paid activity, showing to be family-economically dependent people. In the research period, 15 (42.8%) patients were receiving dental assistance for the first time. Those who had already received previous assistance were cared by the Association of Parents and Friends of People with Disabilities (APAE) or clinics related to Dentistry Schools. The caregivers were exclusively females and closely related to them (mother, sister, aunt). Conclusion: The study reveals the personal characteristics of the assisted people, who face economical and social challenges, and points out the contribution that the institution and future professionals can offer to the SNP in promoting their dental health care.