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. 2007 Jan-Feb;27(1):26-30.
doi: 10.1111/j.1754-4505.2007.tb00324.x.

A review of the oral health of individuals with disabilities in Puerto Rico and among U.S. Hispanics

H Barry Waldman  1 , Steven P Perlman, Lydia M Lopez del Valle
Affiliations

A review of the oral health of individuals with disabilities in Puerto Rico and among U.S. Hispanics

H Barry Waldman et al. Spec Care Dentist. 2007 Jan-Feb.

Abstract

More than 51 million U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized residents have some form of long-lasting disability, including almost 1 million residents of Puerto Rico. The goal of this report is to review available data in an effort to stimulate recognition of the oral health needs of Puerto Rican residents with disabilities. The authors conducted a review using a series of U.S. Census Bureau reports to develop comparative relationships between Puerto Rican residents, the total U.S. population and the total U.S. Hispanic population. The review compared the proportion of these groups with disabilities, the proportion of the population who live below the poverty threshold, and oral health status. The review of available government and private agency data for the general population indicates that the percentage of Puerto Rican residents with disabilities is greater than the percentage of the total U.S. population and the total U.S. Hispanic population. In addition, compared to the total U.S. population, a greater percentage of total U.S. Hispanic children is living in poverty, has unmet dental needs, is uninsured for health services, and has not visited dentists for extended periods. Particularly limited information is available regarding the oral health needs and services for Puerto Rican residents with disabilities. It is essential for future government and private agency surveys and reports to emphasize the economic status of the Puerto Rican population, recognize the distribution of particular disabilities among the various racial/ethnic populations, and increase general attention to the oral health of the residents of Puerto Rico with specific concerns regarding individuals with disabilities.

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Figures

Figure 3.1
Figure 3.1
Clinical presentation of acromegaly
Figure 3.2
Figure 3.2
Clinical presentation of Addison's disease
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Figure 3.3
Chronic effects of alcoholism
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Clinical presentation of anaemia
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Figure 3.5
Clinical presentation of ankylosing spondylitis
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Figure 3.6
Clinical presentation of bedbound patients
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Figure 3.7
Clinical presentation of cerebral palsy
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Contracture in an individual with spastic cerebral palsy
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Figure 3.9
Caries of the labial surface of the lower teeth in a cocaine user
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Figure 3.10
Clinical presentation of Crohn's disease
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Clinical presentation of Cushing's syndrome
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Clinical presentation of diabetes mellitus
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Clinical presentation of Down syndrome
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Figure 3.14
Medical complications of anorexia nervosa
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Protective headgear worn by a patient with severe epilepsy
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Features of chronic graft versus host disease
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Clinical presentation of haemophilia A
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Communication with a dental patient who has a hearing impairment
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The spider tattoo may be related to heroin drug use and/or sales
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Clinical features of acute HIV syndrome
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Clinical presentation of hyperparathyroidism
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Clinical presentation of hyperthyroidism
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Clinical features of hypoparathyroidism
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Hyopopituitarism
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An individual with learning impairment accepting dental treatment under local analgesia
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Figure 3.26
Clinical presentation of liver cirrhosis
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Clinical presentation of lupus erythematosus
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Clinical presentation of motor neurone disease
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Clinical presentation of myasthenia gravis
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Clinical presentation of osteoarthritis
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Clinical presentation of Paget's diseaes
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Clinical presentation of Parkinsonism
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Rampant radiation caries
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Clinical presentation of renal failure
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Clinical presentation of rheumatoid arthritis
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Clinical presentation of scleroderma
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Dental treatment of a patient with spina bifida
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Long-term effects of systemic corticosteroids
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An individual with traumatic brain injury affecting the central nervous system
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Clinical presentation of ulcerative collitis
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Braille
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Figure 3.42
Dental treatment of a patient with visual impairment
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