A Comparative Feasibility Study to Assess the Prevalence and Severity of Dental Caries in Incarcerated People Who Abuse Methamphetamine

The prevalence and severity of dental caries in incarcerated people who abuse drugs are unknown but an inmate reporting to the dental clinic typically presents with myriad findings: oral signs of uncontrolled decay on the buccal smooth surfaces of the posterior teeth and interproximal surfaces of the anterior teeth, excessive tooth wear due to grinding and clenching, and gingival inflammation. The primary risk factors for the development of caries appear to be the combination of xerostomia, frequent consumption of carbonated soft drinks, high dental plaque levels and nonexistent or inadequate oral hygiene. Since some of these findings are seen in the other disease states, specifically in substance abuse cases, the diagnosis is often not clear. The objective of the project is to design a cross sectional comparative feasibility study that will estimate the prevalence, pattern, and severity of untreated dental decay for three types of inmates: methamphetamine abusers, substance abusers not identified as methamphetamine users, and non-substance abusers, focusing in on methamphetamine abusers as the highest risk group. Recruitment will be accomplished using a 2-phased process. Phase I. An invitation letter explaining the study purpose and its relevance to oral health in a correctional setting will be mailed to the inmate population at two Federal Bureau of Prisons' institutions who entered the prison system during the first half of 2009. Dublin, a female FCI located in Northern California and Butner, a male FCC located in North Carolina were the selected facilities due to the high incidence of drug abusers among their inmates. The letter, which will invite all inmates to participate in the study, will inform the inmate should they consent to participate in the study that they will have their existing dental record confirmed, Central File reviewed for DSM-IV diagnosis pertinent to the study, and that they will be given a study questionnaire. Positive responses to the inv