Oral Health Goes to Special Olympics

Experts in oral health from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) attended the 11th Special Olympics World Summer Games in Dublin, Ireland, in June, where they participated in a "Special Smiles" initiative to promote the oral health of some 7,000 participating athletes with mental disabilities from around the world.

During the games, held June 17 to 25, the PAHO team led a training workshop on the use of Atraumatic Restorative Treatment, or PRAT, a low-cost, easy-to-apply dental treatment technique that has been used successfully in Latin America. The PAHO team joined other dentists to provide oral exams for some 3,500 participating athletes. They also met with members of the games' Organizing Committee to discuss a proposal to introduce PRAT as part of the games' ongoing programs for athletes in Latin America.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 17 million people in Latin America have mental disabilities. The Special Olympics Latin America have set a goal of reaching more than 190,000 special athletes by 2005. The Special Olympics have accredited programs in 17 countries, benefiting more than 100,000 athletes aged 8 to 70. The programs depend on some 15,000 volunteer trainers and include competitions held throughout the year.

The premise of the Special Olympics is that people with mental disabilities can, with proper training and support, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and team sports. One of the games' special programs, "Healthy Athletes," is designed to improve the athletes' health and physical well-being by improving their access to health care and by training health care providers in the special needs of patients with mental disabilities.

Saskia Estupiñán, PAHO regional advisor in oral health and a participant in the Dublin events, said, "We made a presentation before delegations from 21 countries highlighting the strengths of the PRAT technique and showing that it is ideal for treating special athletes because it is minimally invasive and gentle with patients." She added that the technique is easy to use given proper training and infection control, adequate lighting, good patient management, quality instruments and appropriate organization of the work environment.

The PAHO experts recommended that athletes be treated for dental problems before each sporting event, to improve both their performance and their general health.

A result of the Dublin games was a joint proposal by PAHO and the Special Olympics for a pilot project to improve oral health of people with mental disabilities in four Latin American communities.