DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjds.2026.v13i10.001

Pages: 183-187

Children with special needs face substantial barriers to oral health due to physical, cognitive, and behavioral limitations. Data on this population in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory remain scarce. To evaluate the oral health status of children with special needs attending the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada, Nigeria (2020–2025). A retrospective cross-sectional study reviewed records of 33 children with special needs. Data on socio-demographics, disability type, oral hygiene status (Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, OHI-S), and dental visit frequency were extracted. Analysis used SPSS version 26 with Chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Dental visits increased from 3 (9.1%) in 2020 to 9 (27.3%) in 2024, yet 15 children (45.5%) had never attended a dental visit. Males constituted 19 (57.6%); mean age was 10.6 years (SD = 3.0). Most children had poor oral hygiene (16, 48.5%), followed by fair (13, 39.4%) and good (4, 12.1%). Autism Spectrum Disorder was most prevalent (9, 27.3%), followed by Cerebral Palsy (8, 24.2%), Down Syndrome (6, 18.2%), and Epilepsy/Intellectual Impairment (5, 15.2% each). No significant association existed between disability type and oral hygiene status (χ² = 4.027, df = 8, p = 0.855). However, dental visit frequency was significantly associated with oral hygiene status (χ² = 13.197, df = 6, p = 0.040). Oral health among children with special needs at UATH is poor. Regular dental visits significantly improve outcomes, highlighting the need for caregiver education, dental homes, and improved access to specialized care.