It is well documented in the literature that individuals with developmental disabilities have poor oral hygiene and gingival health. Objective: The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the effect of a desensitization and dental education program in adult students with developmental disabilities attending Monroe 2 –Orleans BOCES occupational education. In addition, the effect of dental education on oral health was evaluated. Methods: The program included orientation and desensitization to dental environment, instruction in basic dental concepts, focus on motor skills, positive reinforcement, and individualization of instruction. A six-item questionnaire was sent to parents of students enrolled in the school to obtain basic information on oral hygiene habits. Students enrolled in the study had a baseline evaluation including plaque, gingival and bleeding measurements. An oral examination was performed monthly for four months and at the final evaluation six months after baseline. The desensitization and education program started two weeks after baseline evaluation and was repeated every two weeks for four months. Results: The baseline means were: plaque score, 8.9; gingival score, 11.5; and bleeding score, 0.9. At visit 9, the means were: plaque score, 3.4; gingival score, 3.6; and bleeding score, 0.4. Using a Paired T-test, the changes in scores between baseline and visit 9 were statistically significant at p<0.05. Conclusion: This study indicated that this desensitization and education program could have a significant impact on oral hygiene habits and gingival health in adult students with developmental disabilities.

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