ABSTRACT
One hundred and fourteen mentally retarded (MR) and non-mentally retarded (NMR) patients were divided into two groups and categorized according to the condition presented. Age, sex, and type of procedure performed were recorded for each patient. On the MR group 32 per cent were over 17 years of age. On the NMR group 51 per cent were under 6 years of age. The sex distribution was similar in both groups. Exodontia was the most frequently performed dental procedure. The MR group was composed of those who presented only mental retardation (42 per cent), cerebral palsy (17 per cent), epilepsy (15 per cent), syndromes (7 per cent), endocrinopathies (7 per cent), hydrocephalus (5 per cent) and other conditions (7 per cent). The NMR group was composed of those who presented cardiopathy (7 per cent), bottle syndrome (42 per cent), hemotopathy (11 per cent), maxillofacial disorders (24 per cent) and other conditions (16 per cent).