AIIMS-R study finds 93% of kids with special needs require dental care in Raipur

Raipur: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Raipur has launched a targeted oral healthcare programme for children with special needs after a study found that 93% require dental intervention. The Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry developed the programme following an epidemiological study in Raipur district, focusing on the specific public health needs of children with special healthcare needs (SHCN).According to the institute, limited access to disability-sensitive oral healthcare remains a global concern. World Health Organization data shows that 1.3 billion people live with disabilities worldwide. In Chhattisgarh alone, nearly 6.25 lakh people live with disabilities, underlining the need for targeted interventions.AIIMS Raipur researchers assessed 684 children and adolescents aged 3 to 19 years across 15 government-recognised institutes and daycare centres between Dec 2023 and March 2024. The findings revealed that 93% required dental intervention, with many never having received preventive or routine care.Children with multiple disabilities, including cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome, showed a high prevalence of poor oral hygiene. These findings formed the basis for a structured oral healthcare programme.The project has received a grant of Rs 5 lakh from the Governor of Chhattisgarh. It aims to expand outreach to identified centres, provide preventive and curative care, train caregivers and special educators, and build support mechanisms with the Social Welfare Department.