Objectives: Little is known about the Oral Health Quality of Life (OHQOL) among frail elders who live in the community and use an adult day health center (ADH) as a respite for their caregivers. This study evaluated the perceived OHQOL of elders who received dental care through a mobile dental program in urban, suburban, and rural ADHs. Methods: Pre- and post-treatment interviews were used to evaluate OHQOL using the Geriatric (or General) Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Demographic, medical history, and medication data were obtained from ADH records. Following initial dental exams and patient or caregiver consent, dental treatment was provided at each ADH site. Of the 74 elders screened at three ADHs, data were obtained on 37 elders following treatment (mean 3 months later). The sample was mostly female (62.2%), and Caucasian (87.8%). Their mean age was 75.7, with an average of 15.7 teeth (18% edentulous); 46% were on Medicaid; 90.5% had dental treatment needs. On average they had 5.8 chronic diseases, hypertension being most common (63.5%); 42% had a neurological disorder or dementia. Results: GOHAI scores were generally high both pre- and post-treatment (mean=48.0 and 51.9 respectively), reflecting high perceived OHQOL on the physical, psychosocial, and pain/discomfort dimensions of this measure. Total number of chronic diseases was negatively correlated with GOHAI physical (r=-.47, p<.000) and total (r=-.36, p<.004) scores. Number of dental treatment needs was correlated with the psychosocial GOHAI (r=-.32, p<.01). Paired t-tests comparing pre- vs. post-treatment GOHAI scores revealed significant improvements in overall GOHAI (p<.01), and all its sub-scores; physical (p<.05), psychosocial (p<.05), and pain (p<.01). Conclusions: Providing dental treatment significantly improved frail elders' overall, physical, and psychosocial OHQOL and their concerns with pain. Funded by NIH/NIDCR #T32DE07132 and Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.

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