# 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.

## Key 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.

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12760005