Raipur: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Raipur has introduced a targeted oral healthcare programme for children with special needs following a study revealing that 93% of such children require dental intervention.
Programme Development
The Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry developed the programme based on an epidemiological study conducted in Raipur district, focusing on the specific public health needs of children with special healthcare needs (SHCN). According to the institute, limited access to disability-sensitive oral healthcare remains a global concern. World Health Organization data indicates that 1.3 billion people worldwide live with disabilities. In Chhattisgarh alone, nearly 6.25 lakh individuals live with disabilities, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Study Findings
Researchers at AIIMS Raipur assessed 684 children and adolescents aged 3 to 19 years across 15 government-recognised institutes and daycare centres between December 2023 and March 2024. The findings showed that 93% required dental intervention, with many never having received preventive or routine care. Children with multiple disabilities, including cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, and Down syndrome, exhibited a high prevalence of poor oral hygiene. These results formed the basis for a structured oral healthcare programme.
Funding and Goals
The project has received a grant of Rs 5 lakh from the Governor of Chhattisgarh. It aims to expand outreach to identified centres, provide preventive and curative care, train caregivers and special educators, and build support mechanisms in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department.
