Research abstract
British Dental Journal , E5 (2007)
doi:10.1038/bdj.2007.32
Verifiable CPD Paper: Oral health of remand prisoners in HMP Brixton, London
E. Heidari1, C. Dickinson2, R. Wilson3 and J. Fiske4
- The remand prison population represents 18% of the total prison population in the UK.
- Remand prisoners have compromised general and oral health compared with the general non-prison population.
- Remand prisoners exhibit high levels of mental illness and infectious disease.
- Poor oral health presented with high levels of decay and low levels restorative treatment.
- Non-healthy behaviours such as recreational drug use, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and diets high in sugar content were commonplace.
Abstract
Overview This study investigated the general and oral health status and behaviours and the dental treatment requirements of remand prisoners. It makes recommendations on how their oral health care needs may be met.
Method A convenience sample of 78 remand prisoners participated in the study within HMP Brixton. The study involved a structured interview, to establish health status and behaviours as well as perceived oral health needs, combined with an oral examination to establish normative treatment need.
Results Prisoners' general health was compromised. In particular, there were high levels of mental illness and infectious disease. Unhealthy behaviours such as tobacco smoking, alcohol use, drug dependency, and high sugar diets were commonplace. This affected the remand prisoners' oral health, which presented with high levels of decay and relatively low levels of both missing and filled teeth. Whilst prisoners made high use of prison dental services, they made little use of dental services outside of prison. The high turnover of remand prisoners and high demand for emergency care made the delivery of preventive and routine care difficult.
Conclusion Remand prisoners have compromised general and oral health compared with the general population. They exhibit poor oral health, which is contributed to by their lifestyles and health behaviours.
- Senior Dental Officer, King's College London Dental Institute at Guy's, King's and St Thomas' Hospitals, Guy's Tower, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT
- Associate Specialist in Special Care Dentistry, King's College London Dental Institute at Guy's, King's and St Thomas' Hospitals, Guy's Tower, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT
- Senior lecturer in Oral Science, King's College London Dental Institute at Guy's, King's and St Thomas' Hospitals, Guy's Tower, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT
- Senior Lecturer/Consultant in Special Care Dentistry, King's College London Dental Institute at Guy's, King's and St Thomas' Hospitals, Guy's Tower, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT
Correspondence to: E. Heidari1 e-mail: ellie.heidari@kingsch.nhs.uk
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