Place of residence affects routine dental care in the intellectually and developmentally disabled adult population on Medicaid

Abstract

Objective: To compare the likelihood of intellectually and developmentally disabled (ID/DD) adults receiving a dental cleaning across places of residence.

Data sources: Medicaid and Minnesota's Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) databases.

Study design: All adults with DD assessments in MMIS in 2001-2002.

Data extraction methods: All completed DD assessments in 2001-2002 linked to Medicaid utilization data for same recipients for same years.

Conclusions: The most disabled individuals are generally least likely to receive a dental cleaning. Individuals living in their own or a family home are less likely to receive the procedure than those living in ICF/MRs or a group home, even after controlling for disability, with those living in a group home falling in between ICF/MR and own/family home residents. The level of preventive dental care that ID/DD adults receive in community settings may be inadequate, particularly for persons living in own homes or with family.