THE ORAL HEALTH OF DISADVANTAGED ADOLESCENTS IN NORTH YORK, ONTARIO

Disadvantaged youth such as the homeless, the unemployed or recent imm igrants are thought to be at high risk for dental problems, but data t o support this hypothesis are rare. Using interviews and clinical exam inations, this study measured the oral health status and treatment nee ds of a convenience sample of 478 disadvantaged adolescents aged 14 an d older in North York, Ontario. Although the results cannot be general ized to the overall population, the data suggested that disadvantaged youth have high rates of oral disease. the adolescents reported a vari ety of symptoms, including oral pain and low rates of dental visiting. Clinically, high rates of periodontal disease, dental decay and urgen t treatment needs were detected. If public health resources are to be directed to those most in need, efforts should be made to identify hig h-risk groups that may be overlooked in general surveys. Prevention, d etection and treatment programs should be considered for high-risk ado lescents.