Revisiting the status of oral health services in adult PM&R programs: A 40-year follow-up survey

Purpose This survey compared the status of oral health service access and needs for adult Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) patients over a 40-year period. Methods This report compares two surveys (1974 vs. 2014) of Directors of PM&R residency programs in the United States. The same 14 survey questions used in 1974 survey were repeated in 2014, with four new questions added. Results The major comparative findings about oral health services were that while perceived need remained high and availability and adequacy of dental care remained low, program directors indicated a slightly lessened desirability, feasibility and overall support for the concept of integrating oral health services into their PM&R program in the 2014 survey. Conclusion These findings show that 40 years has not brought better access to oral health care for adult PM&R patients, only a slightly lessened enthusiasm in the program directors. Future research should explore the reasons underlying these disappointing outcomes.