Oral health status of Orphanage children

This book is based on a cross-sectional epidemiological study of oral health status and its associated risk factors conducted among orphanage children. An Orphan is a child, under 18 years of age, who has lost both parents or has been abandoned by them. Children are future of the nation and the strength of a nation lies in a healthy, protected, educated and well-developed child population that will grow up to be the productive citizens of the country. As orphanage children comprise of a deprived and isolated population, they deserve special attention to become robust citizens, physically fit,mentally alert and morally healthy, endowed with the skills and motivation needed by the society.The orphans utilize very few health care facilities and oral cavity is the most neglected aspect of children living in orphanages. Oral disease pattern is dependent on various socio-economic characteristics of the children and parents. Thus, it can be assumed that the pattern of oral disease and quality of life would be di erent among children living with their parents and orphan children who do not have parents.