Parental perceptions of oral health-related quality of life for children with special needs: impact of oral rehabilitation under general anesthesia.

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to: (1) describe the symptoms, daily life problems and parental concerns related to oral health for children with special health care needs; and (2) examine the effectiveness of oral rehabilitation under general anesthesia at improving quality of life (QOL).

Methods: A single-group design measuring change over time was used. Family caregivers of 107 children with special needs, for whom oral rehabilitation under general anesthesia was recommended, completed a QOL survey upon dental examination.