Method: A cross sectional study was done involving participants in the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes- Special Smile program in 2012 in Limpopo and Eastern Cape. Participants were screened through interviews and clinical examination by trained volunteers using the Special Smiles standardised CDC protocol. Data collected included the bio-data; mouth-cleaning frequency; untreated caries and site of caries; missing and filled teeth; and urgency of treatment needed. Analysis was performed using STATA version 12 to compare oral health status of the athletes in the two provinces. Statistical tests included chi-square statistic and the t-test.
Result: Of the 276 athletes screened, 71% were from the Eastern Cape Province. Majority of the athletes cleaned their teeth at least once daily (72.2 - 74.9%). An alarming number of athletes had untreated caries in their mouths (61.5 - 80.5%) mostly on the posterior teeth. Few of the athletes had filled teeth (1.5 - 10.4%). None of the athletes had fissure sealants placed on their teeth. Athletes in need of urgent treatment made up 21.8 - 41% of the sample.
Conclusion: These findings suggest a need for programs to target individuals with intellectual disability through appropriate prevention and the treatment protocols tailored to their needs. To achieve this, improvements need to be made to the overall healthcare system, strengthen prevention programs from childhood and create a dental care system that will respond to their special needs.