Oral and Dental Health in Substance Dependent Individuals

The same psychiatrist administered the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to all participants. Oral health examinations were performed by a trained dental student and a specialist dentist using a portable dental chair, artificial light, and a dental mirror. Dental caries was assessed using the DMFT index (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) according to the World Health Organization's caries diagnostic criteria. This index included the number of decayed, missing (due to caries, excluding 3rd molars), and filled teeth in the permanent dentition. The oral health examiners were blinded to each participant's substance use type and sociodemographic information.

This intervention involves a psychiatric evaluation conducted by a licensed psychiatrist to diagnose Substance Use Disorder according to the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The psychiatrist performs a comprehensive assessment of each participant's substance use history and related behaviors. This diagnosis step is essential for identifying participants with specific substance use disorders, such as Methamphetamine, Cannabis, or Polysubstance Use Disorders, before proceeding with the dental health examination.