Evaluation of Mobile and Community Dental Service Use among People Experiencing Homelessness

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the patterns of mobile and community dental service use among people experiencing homelessness in Bratislava, Slovakia. Data from medical records of homeless people who visited the mobile and community dental clinic from November 2012 to July 2018 have been retrospectively reviewed. The experience of providing dental services has been reported from the perspective of the dental care provider. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. In total, 319 patients (75.5% men) attended the clinic. Extraction of a tooth was the main dental treatment indicated in more than 80% (n = 276) of patients. A total of 363 teeth were extracted with an average number of 1.6 extracted teeth per patient. The main indications for extraction were dental caries and its sequelae (83.7%) and periodontal disease (15.2%). The patients with the need for prosthetic and conservative treatment were referred to the clinics at University Hospital; however, only 19 patients received the treatment. The barriers to accessing dental care were cost, logistic problems and individual psychological factors. We found that people experiencing homelessness in Slovakia have high needs and demands of emergency dental care and many systemic and individual barriers prevent them from accessing care. Community-based dental services are important for improving access to dental care and reducing oral health inequities.