Odontología en pacientes especiales¿Quo vadis?
- P. Diz Dios
- E. Vázquez García
- J. Fernández Feijoo
- F. J. Alvarez Alvarez
- M. Castro Ferreriro
ISSN: 1135-030X
Year of publication: 1994
Volume: 1
Issue: 1
Pages: 10-16
Type: Article
More publications in: Cuidados odontológicos especiales: Revista de la Sociedad Española de Odontoestomatología
Abstract
This article begins with a revision of the recent history of Odontology in special patients in Spain, emphasizing two fundamental facts, the constitution of the SEOEN (SEOEME) and the inclusion of the subject "Dentistry for Special Patient" in the new curriculum of the Odontology degree. Then, and to approach real facts, we have analysed one thousand clinic dossiers of patients who received dental treatment in a conventional dental clinic. With this analysis we want to point out the high prevalence of patients with previous pathology (25%), which increase gradually when the patients are over thirty, and also the low demand for dental care from people over sixty-five and from the group of physical and psychological handicapped. Finally, we outline a strategy for the promotion of oral health in handicapped patients and in medically compromised patients. This strategy is based on the following points: the elaboration of multicentric demographic studies, the revaluation of medical aspects, the elimination of barriers, the design of preventive programmes and the specific training of the dental professionals.