Foundations of oral health‐related quality of life
Mike T. John
Abstract
Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) is the component of health-related quality of life that relates to the effects of oral diseases and dental interventions on patients. This article describes why OHRQOL is important and how it is measured. The conceptual basis for OHRQOL is discussed. A four-dimensional structure consisting of Oral Function, Orofacial Pain, Orofacial Appearance and Psychosocial Impact as the OHRQOL dimensions has emerged as psychometrically sound and clinically intuitive. Consequently, when the impact of oral diseases or the effects of dental interventions are measured, four dimension scores capturing these attributes need to be used.
Topics & Concepts
PsychosocialQuality of life (healthcare)Psychological interventionOral healthOrofacial painDimension (graph theory)MedicineQuality (philosophy)DentistryPsychologyPhysical therapyPsychiatryNursingPhilosophyPure mathematicsEpistemologyMathematicsDental Health and Care UtilizationOral microbiology and periodontitis researchDental Anxiety and Anesthesia Techniques