March TCAID: World Oral Health Day 2025 Feature #WOHD25

Celebrating Inclusive Oral Health Research

To mark World Oral Health Day 2025, we’re proud to highlight the work of the oral health research team at the Trinity Centre for Ageing and Intellectual Disability (TCAID). In close collaboration with the Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH), the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers, and our Keep My Teeth project partners, the team is leading innovative research that brings the voices and needs of people with intellectual disabilities into focus.

Inclusive Research in Action

PhD researcher Katrina Byrne and Dr. Caoimhin Mac Giolla Phadraig have been championing a more person-centred approach to oral health research through IDS-TILDA. Their work is helping to close long-standing gaps in knowledge by developing tools and training that make research more accessible and relevant.

The MOSST Tool – Practical and Inclusive The Modified Oral Status Survey Tool (MOSST) is one such innovation. Developed in partnership with DDUH, MOSST allows both dental and non-dental professionals to assess oral health in a simple, respectful, and inclusive way. Findings from IDS-TILDA show significant oral health needs and highlight how MOSST can help identify and address these gaps.

IDS-TILDA W5 Findings – Understanding the Gaps

Oral Health Assessment: In Wave 5 of the IDS-TILDA health fair, 469 participants underwent an oral health assessment using the MOSST, revealing significant oral health concerns among individuals with intellectual disabilities in Ireland.

Tooth Loss and Inequity: One in five IDS-TILDA participants had no teeth, rising to two in five for those aged 65 and over—significantly higher than the one in eight found in the general ageing population in TILDA Wave 6.
Widespread Oral Disease: Nearly half of dentate participants had at least one cavitated tooth, fewer than 30% had good oral hygiene, and fewer than 40% had healthy gums. One in twelve reported experiencing oral pain in the past week, demonstrating a high burden of oral disease.
Impact on Oral Function: A high proportion of participants lacked the minimum number of functional teeth needed for aesthetics (front teeth) and effective chewing (back teeth).

The use ofthe MOSST in the IDS TILDA wave 5 health showed that RNID research nurses who have experience supporting people with intellectual disability have the ability once trained to carry out a simple oral assessment with their skillset to implement reasonable adjustments and person centred communication
Ms. Katrina Byrne, PhD Student

Knowledge Sharing and Training

Through MOSST training, supported by the RCSI Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, nurses in intellectual disability services across Ireland are now equipped to gather meaningful oral health data. RNID Trainee’s Anne Power and Clodagh Fitzpatrick from Wexford Residential Intellectual Disability Services, shared their experience:

"The training was very comprehensive and it enables us as non-dentistry professionals to engage in oral health assessments for adults we support with intellectual disabilities. From completion of the MOSST training we now have the skills and competencies to complete assessments and collect data on oral health status, oral healthcare utilisation and oral health behaviours."

From Clinic to Classroom

This work is further strengthened by our collaboration with the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers and the Keep My Teeth project, supporting better oral care planning and access. In February, DDUH dental students took part in practical workshops on toothbrushing techniques for adults with disabilities—an exciting step in translating inclusive research into clinical practice.

Looking Ahead

TCAID researchers continue to explore links between oral health and broader health outcomes, including pneumonia. Leading to ensuring research informs the required improvements in policy and practice.