The Measurement of Dental Disease in a Correctional Setting and Its Importance to Functional Service Delivery

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of decayed, missing and filled teeth among male, non-camp inmates in the Michigan Department of Corrections and to assess the impact of age, race and years of incarceration on these parameters of oral health. A representative sample of 251 inmates was selected from thirteen geographically diverse MDOC institutions, using a three-stage area probability sampling design. The data collected in the study were the product of an examination procedure that is performed routinely within the MDOC Dental Division, which uses radiographs, mirrors, explorers, reflected light and periodontal explorers.

Results showed a mean Decayed Missing and Filled Teeth Index (DMFT) of 11.52 for inmates aged 18-34, 19.25 for inmates aged 35-44, and 24.70 for inmates aged 45 and older. No differences were found between ethnic groups; however, the number of missing teeth increased significantly with age (p=.0005). Differences were found in the number of decayed and filled teeth and the DMFT composite index with respect to the years an inmate was incarcerated. Comparison of these findings to those of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (USPHS, 1979) and the United States Employed Adults Survey (USDHHS, 1988) showed inmates had more decayed teeth than these general population groups, but fewer missing and filled teeth.

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