ABSTRACT
Elderly populations are growing worldwide. This may be explained by improved quality of life and declining rates of mortality, that is influenced, in part, by an easy access to health care.(Bellini D, 2009) Measurement of the impact of oral conditions on quality of life should be part of its evaluation because clinical indicators alone cannot describe the satisfaction or symptoms of dental patients or their ability to perform daily activities. (Montero-Martin J, 2009; Allison PJ, 1997) The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) is one tool that was developed to access how oral health conditions can affect patient’s quality of life. It consists of 49 items that are subdivided into seven domains: functional limitation, physical discomfort, psychological discomfort, physical disability, psychological disability, social disability and handicap (Slade GD, 1994). This instrument has been widely used in several countries, with different populations (Montero-Martin J, 2009; Bae KH, 2007; John MT, 2002; Larsson P, 2004). In Portugal, however, the OHIP has not been yet validated, and it is unknown its application related to a population rehabilitated with a dental prosthesis.
