Special needs, special risks? A comparative oral health study in children and adolescents

Background Despite improvements in children’s oral health, disparities persist, particularly among children with special needs. This study compares oral health risks between children attending schools for specific purposes (SSPs) and their mainstream school (MS) peers to inform targeted interventions. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from school-based oral health assessments and caregiver questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, Chi-squared test and logistic regression were applied. Results Data from 610 students (320 SSPs, 290 MS), aged 5–19 years, were analysed. Chi-squared analyses revealed MS students were more likely to consume sweet snacks several times a week (χ2 = 20.06, P < 0.001), whereas untreated caries were more common among MS students than SSPs students (χ2 = 8.6, P = 0.003). Logistic regression indicated that SSPs students were less likely to visit a dentist in the past year (OR 0.56, P < 0.01), had higher bodu mass index (OR 1.71, P < 0.001), were less likely to brush their teeth twice daily (OR 0.41, P < 0.001) and were more likely to consume sweet drinks daily (OR 1.38, P < 0.05). These findings highlight unique oral health challenges among SSPs students, who have high rates of disabilities and medical needs. Conclusion Incorporating occupational therapists and speech pathologists into SSPs and school nurses in MS schools, through collaboration with oral health professionals, can enhance access to dental care and promote healthy oral care routines. For SSPs students, strategies should address sensory sensitivities, fine and oral-motor challenges and sugar drink consumption. For MS students, incorporating oral health into school health programs can identify at-risk children, facilitate referrals and strengthen connections to dental services, reducing disparities and improving well-being.