Oral health is an important aspect of health for all children, and is more important for children with special health needs.

The study was done to assess the dentition status, periodontal status, dentofacial anomalies and treatment needs of differently abled children attending special schools in Chennai.

A cross sectional study was conducted among 6 - 18 year old hearing and speech impaired children and visually impaired children in Chennai. A cluster sampling methodology was followed for the selection of study subjects. The final sample size for the study was 624 hearing and speech impaired children and 506 visually impaired children. The data was collected using WHO Assessment Form (WHO 1997) modified. Statistical analysis was done using Pearson chi-square test and Student t test.

Overall mean dmft/DMFT among differently abled children was (0.58+1.46)/ (0.50+0.93). Dental caries experience was more among hearing and speech impaired children with mean dmft/DMFT being (0.67+1.44) / (0.52+0.95) and it was statistically significant(P<0.05) with visually impaired children in case of dmft. Overall mean DAI was (22.3+5.4)) and malocclusion was predominant among visually impaired children compared to hearing and speech impaired children and it was statistically significant (P<0.001) The periodontal conditions were poorer among visually impaired children with most of them having calculus and it was statistically significant (P<0.05) compared to hearing and speech impaired children. Traumatic injuries were seen more among visually impaired children compared to hearing and speech impaired children and it was statistically very highly significant (P<0.001). Hearing and speech impaired children needed more treatment than the visually impaired children with majority of them needing restorations.

It can be concluded from the study that even though the oral health status and treatment needs of differently abled children is not alarming, a prevention based intervention program directed especially towards dental caries and periodontal health is recommended for these special groups for a better productive life in future.