ORAL HYGIENE STATUS AMONG CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AT SLB NEGERI 2 SAWAHLUNTO

Abstract

Oral hygiene remains a challenge among children with special needs, including children with intellectual disabilities and hearing impairments. Limitations in cognitive, motor, and communication abilities may affect their ability to maintain oral hygiene. This study aimed to describe oral hygiene status based on the debris index, calculus index, and Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) among children with special needs at SLB Negeri 2 Sawahlunto. This descriptive study used a quantitative approach. The study population comprised all children with special needs at SLB Negeri 2 Sawahlunto. The sample consisted of 31 students, including children with mild intellectual disabilities, moderate intellectual disabilities, and hearing impairments who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through direct oral examinations using the OHI-S and analyzed descriptively using frequency distributions and percentages. The results showed that the debris index was predominantly in the moderate category, involving 23 students (74.2%), while 8 students (25.8%) were in the poor category. The calculus index was also predominantly moderate, involving 26 students (83.9%), followed by the poor category in 3 students (9.7%) and the good category in 2 students (6.4%). Overall, OHI-S was predominantly in the moderate category, involving 23 students (74.2%), while 8 students (25.8%) were in the poor category. No student had good OHI-S status. These findings indicate that the oral hygiene status of the respondents was predominantly moderate and not yet optimal, highlighting the need to strengthen oral health education, assistance, and the involvement of teachers and parents in maintaining oral hygiene among children with special needs.