Accommodations Needed for ASD Patients During Dental Care
Abstract
This project aimed to investigate caregiver perspective regarding dental provider care for visits for their child[ren] with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a developmental disorder that affects communication, sensory processing, and behavior. ASD can cause problems regarding oral health care and treatments due to the overwhelming sensations experienced by the patient, resulting in refusal behaviors regarding prevention, maintenance, diagnosis, and treatment of oral health care needs (Zhou et al., 2020). Dental providers aren’t extensively trained on treatment or support techniques recommended for this population, leading to a drop-off in patient care and a lack of caregiver training or support (Fenning et al., 2021; Stein Duker et al., 2019). Through findings from an anonymous caregiver survey, this study aimed to identify parental perceptions of successful dental visits. The author surveyed 30 caregivers of ASD children to find how dental providers could improve the dental experience for their child[ren]. Results from the survey showed consistency with research on sensory processing difficulties and varied suggestions for improvement. The findings also establish that there is a need for discussions between caregivers and dental providers in a comfortable and judgment-free setting to create a behavior and dental treatment plan that fits the particular child’s needs and abilities. Caregivers and dental providers need to see each other as an asset in coordinating care for a child with ASD.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Janine Morris
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-5-2023 12:00 PM
End Date
4-6-2023 4:00 PM
Accommodations Needed for ASD Patients During Dental Care
Alvin Sherman Library
This project aimed to investigate caregiver perspective regarding dental provider care for visits for their child[ren] with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a developmental disorder that affects communication, sensory processing, and behavior. ASD can cause problems regarding oral health care and treatments due to the overwhelming sensations experienced by the patient, resulting in refusal behaviors regarding prevention, maintenance, diagnosis, and treatment of oral health care needs (Zhou et al., 2020). Dental providers aren’t extensively trained on treatment or support techniques recommended for this population, leading to a drop-off in patient care and a lack of caregiver training or support (Fenning et al., 2021; Stein Duker et al., 2019). Through findings from an anonymous caregiver survey, this study aimed to identify parental perceptions of successful dental visits. The author surveyed 30 caregivers of ASD children to find how dental providers could improve the dental experience for their child[ren]. Results from the survey showed consistency with research on sensory processing difficulties and varied suggestions for improvement. The findings also establish that there is a need for discussions between caregivers and dental providers in a comfortable and judgment-free setting to create a behavior and dental treatment plan that fits the particular child’s needs and abilities. Caregivers and dental providers need to see each other as an asset in coordinating care for a child with ASD.
