Dec 6 Session: Dental Care Coordination for People with Developmental Disabilities

[Amy Lee]

Please post your questions and comments for the speakers here.

Topic

[Ingrid]

Through this module, I now have a better understanding of some of the challenges experienced by special needs patients and their families, and as a result, where to direct our attention in alleviating the barriers they experience. Namely- finding a provider who is adequately trained to manage the multitude of challenges experienced by special needs populations: language and cultural barriers, physical limitations, psychosocial issues such as dental anxiety or past negative experiences, transportation challenges and office accessibility. Additionally, because there are so many other aspects of a special needs child’s life to manage, such as their education, the hopelessness and loneliness they often experience which can develop into depression, their relationship with other children their age… it can be hard to prioritize dental care. Some small steps I can take as a provider to make the dental appointment easier are to be extra communicative- to explain the appointment step by step to both the parent and child, to share resources and follow-up post-appointment, and to give verbal as well as written recommendations/instructions.

[Alyssa]

<div class=”group w-full text-gray-800 dark:text-gray-100 border-b border-black/10 dark:border-gray-900/50 bg-gray-50 dark:bg-[#444654]”>
<div class=”text-base gap-4 md:gap-6 md:max-w-2xl lg:max-w-xl xl:max-w-3xl p-4 md:py-6 flex lg:px-0 m-auto”>
<div class=”relative flex w-[calc(100%-50px)] flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3 lg:w-[calc(100%-115px)]”>
<div class=”flex flex-grow flex-col gap-3″>
<div class=”min-h-[20px] flex flex-col items-start gap-4 whitespace-pre-wrap”>
<div class=”markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light”>

In this course, I learned that effective coordination is crucial in ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities receive proper oral health care. This includes creating individualized care plans, understanding the unique needs of each patient, and addressing any communication or behavioral challenges that may arise during dental visits. One significant challenge that was highlighted is the limitation of transportation, which can greatly affect access to oral health care for individuals with disabilities. Many people with developmental disabilities may face transportation barriers due to physical limitations, lack of accessible transportation options, or financial constraints. As a result, they may struggle to access dental care services, leading to unmet oral health needs and potential complications. Overall, I have learned more about the field of special needs dentistry and how it requires dental care providers to have additional training in understanding the unique needs of patients with disabilities, such as sensory sensitivities, communication challenges, and behavioral issues. I learned the important role that pediatrician offices have in ensuring wholistic care for children with special needs, and how children with special needs often require a team approach of care.

</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class=”flex justify-between lg:block”>
<div class=”text-gray-400 flex self-end lg:self-center justify-center mt-2 gap-2 md:gap-3 lg:gap-1 lg:absolute lg:top-0 lg:translate-x-full lg:right-0 lg:mt-0 lg:pl-2 visible”></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

[Author]

Replies