Abstract
Objective Over a billion people in the world live with some form of disability and this figure
is destined to grow due to the increase in life expectancy. As consequence, the caregiver
is taking on an increasingly important role that gains relevance also in the field
of oral-dental prevention, being able to promptly identify needs for medical treatment.
In some cases, however, the caregiver can be an obstacle to consider in case of a
lack of adequate knowledge and commitment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the
caregiver level of oral education comparing family members and health workers dedicated
to people with disabilities knowledge.
Materials and Methods Anonymous questionnaires were distributed in five disability service centers and
filled alternatively by family members of patients with disability and disability
service centers health workers.
Results Two-hundred fifty questionnaires were collected, of which 100 were filled in by family
members and 150 by health workers. Data were analyzed by applying the chi-squared
(X2) independence test and the pairwise method for missing data.
Conclusion Family members oral education appears better in terms of brushing frequency, toothbrush
replacement, and number of dental visits.
Keywords
Special Dentistry - health workers - oral hygiene - disabilities
