Clinical validity of self-rated oral health among New Zealand nursing home residents

Objectives To investigate the clinical validity of self-rated oral health among older New Zealanders in aged residential care. Material and methods A national survey of oral health in aged residential care was carried out throughout New Zealand. Self-rated oral health was measured using Locker's global item and clinical examinations carried out by calibrated examiners. Analyses used survey weights. Results Consistent gradients were observed across the self-rated oral health categories in the mean number of decayed teeth (whether coronal or root surface caries), mean number of filled teeth (albeit in the opposite direction), and in the mean number of fillings needed. Consistent gradients were also seen in the same categories when comparing the current oral health status to their oral health status a year previous. No gradients in periodontal status were apparent. Conclusions The older population in aged residential care can validly self-rate their oral health, although further investigation of periodontal status is warranted.