Objective: To assess oral health status, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and oral health-related behaviors in inner-city, low income adults with addictive disorders. Methods: A non-random, consecutive sample of adults enrolled in the Integrity House, a center for addictive disorders, participated in the needs assessment. After completing informed consent, interview data were collected including demographic information, risk factors, and the OHIP-14. Oral health examinations were completed using the DMFS system. Chi-squares, T-tests and GLMs were used to compare the study sample with NHANES datasets and published OHRQoL reports. Results: Of the 67 participants, 57% were male; average age = 37.8 years (SD=9.1). Ethnic representation included: black (71%), white (22%), and Latino (7%). The majority (89%) reported smoking cigarettes. Results from the clinical exam revealed means of: DS= 9.6; Missing Teeth= 10.1; and FS=7.0. Approximately 63% reported dental pain within the past year. Yet, mean duration of time since participants' last dental visit was 2.5 years, (range: 1 month-20 years). Participants reported reason for last dental visit to be primarily restorative/emergency care (76%) versus preventive/routine care. Comparisons between demographically similar populations (NHANES data) and the study sample indicated significant differences on: reason for last dental visit (i.e., preventive vs. restorative) ChiSq=50.3; p <0.001; and dental pain in the last year ChiSq=17.5; p < 0.001). GLM analyses were significant for DS, M, and overall DMFS when comparing the clinical findings with NHANES data (p<0.01). Participants' average sum OHIP scores (32.3) were significantly more severe across Functional Limitation, Physical Pain, Psychological Discomfort, Physical Disability, Psychological Disability and Social Disability and total sum scores when compared to published studies (e.g., Slade, et al., 2005; Brennan, et al., 2004). Conclusions: The study sample presented with lower oral health status indicators, lower utilization and lower OHRQoL when compared to demographically similar populations and published reports.

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