To determine the oral health status of youth in a closed-custody facility in a large Canadian centre

A cross-sectional study of youth incarcerated ata Toronto-area facility was conducted from September 2010 till July 2011. Participants completed a survey on social, correctional and oral health histories, and underwent oral examination.

Of 101adolescent participants, 81.2% had permanent teeth affected by tooth decay. In this group, an average of 4.39 teeth were affected and. the proportion of decayed teeth was 0.51. Race, custody history and case status were predictors of poor oral health.

By quantifying the need for oral health services and by identifying variables associated with greater dental disease, these findings may assist health care providers in youth correctional facilities with their program planning for their high-needs wards.