Special Olympics UAE has marked a significant milestone in inclusive health research with the publication of a peer-reviewed study examining oral health among athletes with intellectual disabilities. Published in the prestigious Frontiers in Oral Health on April 24, 2026, the study reveals alarming rates of untreated dental issues, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions in the United Arab Emirates.

This research, the first comprehensive dataset on oral health for this population in the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council region, analyzed data from 656 athletes screened during 10 Special Smiles events between September 2022 and July 2025. With a median age of 20 years and 68% male participants, the cohort showed that 36% do not brush daily, 67% exhibit signs of gingivitis, 64% have untreated decay, and 20% report oral pain. Over 72% require dental care, highlighting substantial unmet needs despite the UAE's advanced healthcare infrastructure.

Understanding the Healthy Athletes Program in the UAE

The Special Olympics Healthy Athletes initiative, of which Special Smiles is a key component, delivers free health screenings, education, and referrals to athletes with intellectual disabilities. In the UAE, this program has screened thousands through events featuring visual oral exams, hygiene instruction, and fluoride applications. The standardized Special Olympics Healthy Athletes System (HAS) form ensures consistency, with calibrated dentists conducting examinations using basic tools like mirrors and flashlights.

Special Olympics UAE's efforts align with national visions like UAE Centennial 2071, emphasizing empowerment for People of Determination. The program's success stems from multi-stakeholder partnerships, including healthcare providers and academic institutions, fostering a culture of inclusion.

Detailed Methodology and Rigorous Analysis

Conducted as a cross-sectional study per STROBE guidelines, the research excluded 161 incomplete records from 817 screenings, yielding robust data. Ethical approval came from the Institutional Review Board of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (IRB-2025-922). Statistical analysis via IBM SPSS included 95% confidence intervals and chi-square tests, revealing no significant gender differences in outcomes.

The definition of untreated decay (cavitation ≥0.5mm) and gingival disease (redness/swelling in ≥3 sites) provides precise metrics comparable globally. This methodological rigor positions the study as a benchmark for future GCC research.

Key Findings: A Snapshot of Oral Health Challenges

• Only 64% brush daily, lower than global averages over 80%.
• 67% (95% CI: 63.4–70.6%) show gingival disease signs.
• 64% (95% CI: 60.3–67.7%) have untreated decay, matching Indian meta-analysis rates but exceeding Western figures.
• 20% report pain, higher than 12.7% at 2023 World Games.
• 72% need care: 63% non-urgent, 9% urgent.

These statistics illuminate barriers like communication difficulties and access issues, impacting nutrition, training, and quality of life.

UAE Universities at the Forefront of Inclusive Health Research

UAE higher education institutions play pivotal roles. Lead author Asma H. AlNababteh is affiliated with Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University's School of Health Sciences. Co-author Anas Salami hails from Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences' Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine, which provided IRB oversight. Gulf Medical University (GMU) actively collaborates, hosting Inclusive Care Training sessions led by experts in behavior analysis for autism and disabilities. GMU students participate in screenings across Healthy Athletes disciplines like Special Smiles, Fun Feet, and Opening Eyes.

Zayed University and Khalifa University host events and summits, integrating research with practice. These partnerships exemplify how UAE universities advance evidence-based inclusive health, training future professionals in person-centered care.

Broader Context: Intellectual Disabilities in the UAE

While global intellectual disability (ID) prevalence is about 1%, UAE data indicate clinically significant developmental disabilities at 2.44%, with broader developmental disabilities up to 8.4%. Limited national statistics underscore the value of studies like this. People of Determination—UAE's term for those with disabilities—face health disparities, including oral health, due to barriers in access and awareness.

The UAE's National Policy for People of Determination promotes comprehensive care, aligning with this research's call for specialized services.National Policy details

Implications for Policy and Practice

The study advocates prevention programs, sensory-adapted dentistry, and caregiver education. By filling GCC data gaps, it informs UAE's Vision 2031 and health equity goals. Untreated issues exacerbate systemic pain and nutrition problems, affecting athletic performance and well-being.

Comparisons show UAE rates align with MENA (e.g., 60% decay in Pakistan) but exceed Europe, signaling need for tailored strategies despite world-class systems.

Collaborative Training and Capacity Building

GMU's College of Health Sciences trains students in inclusive communication via Special Olympics workshops. Physiotherapy, nursing, and medical students learn behavior management, ensuring compassionate care. MBRU and HBMSU contribute through research and ethics, fostering interdisciplinary approaches.

Unified Healthcare accredits facilities, expanding preventive access.GMU collaboration details

Global and Regional Impact

As part of Special Olympics' global Inclusive Health, UAE's study contributes to worldwide data hubs. It supports WHO calls for ID inclusion in trials, where 75% NIH studies exclude them. In MENA, it baselines for advocacy.

Future Directions and Calls to Action

Researchers recommend longitudinal studies, policy reforms for accessible dentistry, and university-led interventions. UAE universities can expand curricula on ID health, partnering for scalable programs. Stakeholders urge immediate action to reduce disparities, enhancing lives for thousands.

For academics, explore full study and WAM coverage.

Photo by Vishnu Kalanad on Unsplash

Stakeholder Perspectives and Real-World Impact

Dr. AlNababteh emphasizes, "This data is a wake-up call for targeted prevention." GMU Dean Dr. Praveen Kumar highlights training's role in empathy-building. Athletes gain referrals, improving participation.