European study on oral care for people with disabilities

Dental Tribune International

Tue. 26. May 2026

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BARCELONA, Spain: Oral-B has announced a large Europe-wide study on the oral care experiences of people with disabilities—Project Steady. The research is part of this year’s the Big Rethink, the oral health inclusion programme launched by Oral-B and the International Association for Disability and Oral Health (iADH) in 2022. The initiative is focused on understanding lived experience and identifying practical ways to remove everyday barriers to oral care.

A European study conducted by Oral-B last year found that more than two in five respondents identify as having a disability, an increase of four percentage points compared with data collected by the company between 2021 and 2023. Furthermore, the survey of more than 9,000 adults across nine European countries revealed a significant disparity in daily oral care experiences. It found that more than half of people with physical disabilities and nearly two-thirds of those with cognitive disabilities reported struggling with oral care routines, compared with one-third of non-disabled respondents. These figures highlight the need for oral health systems, services and tools to better reflect the everyday realities of people with disabilities.

Project Steady: Advancing real-world oral health studies

At the heart of this year’s activities is Project Steady, a six-month, multi-country study that will gather real-world feedback across Europe from people with disabilities, their caregivers and their dental professionals. The study will assess whether a toothbrushing accessory tested in a pilot study can support a more accessible brushing experience and help reduce everyday usability barriers.

“Research of this scale, rooted in everyday experience, is essential if we are to develop evidence-based solutions that genuinely improve oral health outcomes and advance health equity.”
Prof. Pedro Diz Dios, president of the International Association for Disability and Oral Health

Study participants will use the new adaptive accessory alongside Oral-B’s iO2 electric toothbrush. The accessory is designed to address common challenges related to control, stability and toothpaste application in toothbrushing for individuals with limited dexterity. It supports improved grip, manoeuvrability and button access and helps prevent the toothbrush from rolling away when applying toothpaste.

The president of iADH, Prof. Pedro Diz Dios, said: “The link between oral health and general health is well established, yet many people with disabilities still face daily obstacles to basic oral care. Research of this scale, rooted in everyday experience, is essential if we are to develop evidence-based solutions that genuinely improve oral health outcomes and advance health equity.”

The pilot research, undertaken earlier this year, explored how usability challenges can disrupt oral care routines. Led by dental professional Dr Ana Molina, the study found that nine in ten patients with dexterity impairments who used the adaptive accessory for one month were able to reduce areas of high plaque accumulation. Furthermore, two in five participants showed improved gingival health. Feedback from participants pointed to practical benefits, including improved handling and control, a more comfortable brushing experience and improved access to difficult-to-reach tooth surfaces.

Dr Molina said: “By testing solutions in real-world conditions with patients and carers, we were able to generate insights that are directly relevant to both clinical practice and product development.” Project Steady will allow the pilot study to be scaled and the findings strengthened, she added.

Regina Rubio Odgers, senior scientist in oral care research and development at Oral-B, said: “What we heard consistently through earlier phases of the Big Rethink was that small, everyday design challenges can have a significant impact on people’s ability to maintain oral care routines. This study allows us to take those insights into real-world testing, ensuring solutions are shaped by lived experience and designed to work in everyday life.”

Oral-B: Championing accessible oral care for all

The Big Rethink 2026 forms part of Oral-B’s ongoing initiatives to improve access to oral care. The company recently invited 200 dental professionals from across Europe to take on the role of Disability Champions and test the adaptive accessory with patients in their practice. In partnership with iADH, it also launched the Disability Champions Award Programme, which is aimed at making the experience of dental practices more inclusive and positive for patients with disabilities and their caregivers.

Paolo Grue, senior vice-president of oral care in Europe at Procter & Gamble, said: “We are incredibly proud to be continuing and evolving the Big Rethink. Since its launch, it has shown that oral health is not an isolated issue—it is fundamental to whole-body health, confidence and quality of life. Through Project Steady, we are building on that commitment by launching one of our most ambitious research initiatives to date—listening directly to people with disabilities and translating real-world insight into practical, inclusive solutions.”