ORAL HEALTH OF MENTALLY RETARDED INDIVIDUALS

Individuals with intellectual disability compose the most disadvantaged group among disabled individuals for utilization of oral health care services. compared to normal population, although they have more oraldental problems, intellectually disabled individuals receive lower quality health services. lack of coordination, particularly in genetic mental retardation cases, may prevent disabled people to get oral health care services. to enhance and maintain oral health of intellectually disabled individuals, special needs such as oral-dental manifestations, physical handicaps, special diets and medicines used should be identified and, along with a satisfactory communication, their needs should be met. besides general information about oral health of intellectually disabled individuals, approaches to enhance and maintain oral health care are presented in this study.