Dental Exams Among Adults Aging With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Different Living Arrangements

TL;DR

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive dental exams at different rates depending on where they live and their level of disability.

Contribution

This study identifies how living arrangements and disability severity affect dental care access for adults with I/DD.

Findings

Adults in intermediate care facilities are most likely to receive dental exams.

Those living with family are least likely to receive dental exams, though the gap decreases with age.

Social engagement and community involvement increase the likelihood of dental exams.

Abstract

Oral health is crucial for overall health and well-being across the lifespan. Receiving routine dental examinations and regular checkups with advancing age is paramount, especially for vulnerable populations such as adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The dental health needs of adults with I/DD are often overlooked and barriers exist impeding their engagement with dental care services.

We analyzed 8 panel data waves (2013-2014 through 2021-2022) from the National Core Indicators In-Person Survey (NCI-IPS), which is a national survey of adults with I/DD (18+) who receive state services (N = 133,225 observations from 49 states). We performed multilevel logistic regression with models investigating whether adults with I/DD underwent dental exams and how dental services utilization trends differed by living situation.

Results demonstrated that adults with I/DD living in intermediate care facilities (ICF) settings are the most likely to receive a dental exam, while individuals with I/DD residing with their families are the least likely, but this divide lessened with age. Adults living with more severe I/DD have a lower likelihood of receiving a dental exam. Engaging in activities, community involvement, having friends, and having a job were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of receiving dental exams.

Findings indicate that adults with I/DD access dental care in varying degrees based on living arrangement, I/DD level, and social and community ties. Further research is necessary to understand the factors that contribute to promoting dental services utilization among this population.