Journal of Dental Medicine

Background and Aims: The oral impact on daily performance (OIDP) is one of the oral health-related quality of life indices to measure physical, social and mental consequences of the oral health status. This study aimed to evaluate the OIDP index in patients referring to Tehran dental school.

Materials and Methods: Four hundred and ninety nine patients referring to patients' clinic in Dental School of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in spring 2011 participated in this study. They were interviewed for demographic factors including age, gender and level of education, and OIDP index questionnaire before receiving any treatment. Statistical analysis was carried out by means of linear regression modeling.

Results: 85.6% of patients confirmed that they had at least one oral impact on daily performance during the last 6 months. The most prevalent performances affected were eating (50.1%) and smiling and showing teeth without shame (12.8%). The mean OIDP score for the population was 5.6 ranging from 0 to 36. Linear regression modeling controlling for age, gender and years of education revealed that older patients and those with lower education had significantly higher OIDP scores.

Conclusion: The effect of oral health on daily performance was clear. The association among age, education and oral impact on daily performance indicates the need for more comprehensive preventive oral health care for adults with lower educational level.