Dental Health Status, Unmet Needs, and Utilization of Services in a Cohort of Adult Felons at Admission and After Three Years Incarceration

Abstract

This report describes the results of a 1999 follow-up examination of participants in a 1996 survey of adult felon new admissions. All subjects had been continuously incarcerated. Comparisons were drawn to reference groups and to the original 1996 survey. This is a descriptive study using a convenience sample. Oral health was evaluated using standard indicators. The survey found a substantial reduction in the prevalence of caries, improvement in periodontal health, and a decrease in the percentage of inmates with urgent treatment needs. Despite improvement, remaining dental needs were substantial. Utilization of services and frequency of visits were tabulated from chart reviews and demonstrated relatively high demand and frequent clinic visits.