Dental care among young adults with intellectual disability

Dental care among young adults with intellectual disability (ID) is poorly documented and largely unmet. By using population-based data from the Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental Disabilities Follow-Up Study, we assessed factors associated with at least one or two dental visits per year among young adults with and without ID. Significantly fewer young adults with ID (45%) visited a dentist at least once per year, compared with those without ID (58%). ID severity and the presence of co-occurring developmental disabilities predicted dental care use. Sociodemographics, daily functioning, societal participation, dental services, and dental health factors were examined as predictors of dental care frequency. Our findings can help focus efforts toward improving the frequency of dental care visits among young adults with ID.

► Dental care among young adults with intellectual disability (ID) is a concern. ► We examine dental care in young adults with ID using a population-based study. ► Only 45% of young adults with ID visit a dentist at least once per year. ► Predictors for dental care use are identified for youth with and without ID. ► Efforts are needed to improve dental care among young adults with ID.