Before dentists treat any patient with special needs, they should prepare themselves and their team to treat the patient accordingly. This starts with speaking with a family member or caregiver who is familiar with the patient’s condition, abilities and special needs. For patients with severe cognitive disabilities, anesthesia may be needed.
Full Answer
What are the special needs of a dentist?
Special Needs. This can include people with autism, Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome, spinal cord injuries and countless other conditions or injuries that can make standard dental procedures more difficult. Caring for a special needs patient takes compassion and understanding. While most dentists can accommodate for special needs patients,...
What are the barriers to dental care for special needs patients?
Patients with special needs frequently experience barriers to dental care. The ability to pay for care remains the primary obstacle to obtaining oral health care services for this population. 4,6,9–11 Patients with disabilities are often of low socioeconomic status.
Why is special care dentistry important?
Preparing dental teams and clinics for the provision of special care dentistry can help improve the oral and systemic health of this patient population. Preparing dental teams and clinics for the provision of special care dentistry can help improve the oral and systemic health of this patient population
What does it mean to be a patient with special needs?
Patients with special needs are those who due to physical, medical, developmental or cognitive conditions require special consideration when receiving dental treatment.
How do you treat special needs patients?
Remember to:Speak directly with the patient, not to any companion that the patient may have.Avoid making assumptions about what assistance the patient needs. ... Ask how you can help them and respect their answers.Presume that patients with disabilities are competent to handle their own medical care.More items...
How do you brush a disabled person's teeth?
Special needs dental care can be dramatically improved with the use of an electric toothbrush. Not only do the ultrasonic vibrations clean teeth quickly, but the wide handle feature of electric toothbrushes give special needs patients the ability to firmly grip the brush.
What strategies you would use to assist with mouth care?
Oral Health TipsDrink fluoridated water and brush with fluoride toothpaste.Practice good oral hygiene. ... Visit your dentist at least once a year, even if you have no natural teeth or have dentures.Do not use any tobacco products. ... Limit alcoholic drinks.If you have diabetes, work to maintain control of the disease.More items...
How would you deal with a difficult patient at the dentist?
5:037:36How To Deal With DIFFICULT Patients in Dentistry - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYes always keep moving try not to dwell. Easier said than done empathize. But don't apologize tooMoreYes always keep moving try not to dwell. Easier said than done empathize. But don't apologize too much kill with kindness. Again don't let anyone be disrespectful.
How do they clean teeth of bedridden patients?
3:168:25Oral Care For Older Adults - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut it can't be used with residents who do not have chronic dry mouth and are able to spit. Just putMoreBut it can't be used with residents who do not have chronic dry mouth and are able to spit. Just put this on you here just so we don't get your drape the resident with a towel.
How do dementia patients brush their teeth?
Hold a toothbrush and show the person how to brush his or her teeth. Or, put your hand over the person's hand, gently guiding the brush. If the person seems agitated or uncooperative, postpone brushing until later in the day. Keep the teeth and mouth clean.
What actions should the nurse take when performing oral care?
What action should the nurse taken when performing oral care for a dependent client? First, introduce yourself, perform hand hygiene, confirm privacy of the client, and confirm identity of the client. After doing this, place the client in a high Fowlers position, you could also place on the side if needed.
What is the nurses responsibility in oral care?
Daily assessment It is the responsibility of the nurse managing the patient's care to assess the oral mucosa and decide on subsequent methods of oral hygiene in consultation with the medical team. The Oral Assessment Guide (OAG) can assist in determining the patient's oral health and function.
What are the tips in performing oral hygiene to a conscious patient?
Perform oral care at least twice a day. Use a toothbrush with flouride toothpaste to brush all teeth, gums, tongue, palate areas for at least 2 minutes. Gargle with sodium chloride solution or water twice a day or after every meal. Use soft-bristle, soft-ended toothbrush.
How do dentists deal with nervous patients?
If your fear is extreme and you're unable to find any coping mechanisms that work for you, you can ask to be referred to a sedation clinic. Sedation clinics are used only for nervous and anxious patients to allow dentists to carry out necessary work without putting a fearful patient through too much stress.
How do you make a dental patient feel comfortable?
Say hello, introduce yourself and ask them if they need anything while they wait for their appointment. A friendly, calm welcome will reduce the stress felt by the patient. Engage them in conversation by asking them questions about their hobbies, the weather or their favorite dessert.
How do dental nurses talk to patients?
Try and find at least three things about the patient you can tell the dentist, and make a note on the patient records for next time to remind yourself....Make a connectionAre you from around here?What kind of work do/did you do?Do you have children/grandchildren? How many do you have? ... What do you do for fun?
What are the special needs of dental patients?
Patients with special needs are those who due to physical, medical, developmental or cognitive conditions require special consideration when receiving dental treatment. This can include people with autism, Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome, spinal cord injuries and countless other conditions or injuries that can make standard dental procedures ...
Can a dentist accommodate a special needs patient?
While most dentists can accommodate for special needs patients , some dentists focus on meeting the needs and working with the limitations of these patients. If you, your child or someone you know has special needs, talk with your dentist to discuss your options.
What are some examples of dental patients with special needs?
For example, dental patients with special needs include the following: Aging and elderly people.
What is a special needs patient?
A patient with special needs can be defined as someone with medical, physical, psychological or social circumstances that require a change in their normal routines. In the context of dentistry and oral health, a patient with special needs requires a change in regular approaches to dental care in order to receive treatment.
What is a dental specialist?
Dentists and dental specialists (endodontists, periodontists, orthodontists) are trained to provide care specifically in dentistry, regardless of who the patient is. This means dentists can perform a clinical examination, carry out procedures to diagnose and treat oral diseases, and provide restorations such as fillings or crowns. It is only in recent years that an increasing number of continuing education programs have been developed to help dentists learn techniques for providing dentistry in more understanding ways to patients with special needs.
What conditions do dentists take into account?
People with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, bleeding disorders or other systemic conditions need to have their conditions – as well as their medications – taken into account before receiving dental treatments. Dentists will likely need to collaborate with their physicians. People with a mental illness.
What is an efficient and systematic approach to the examination and treatment?
An efficient and systematic approach to the examination and treatment so that appointments are short, when necessary. Knowledge of the medical, physical, mental or behavior al condition in order to better manage the appointment and oral health needs .
Who needs to be accompanied to dental appointments?
Mentally disabled individuals. Those who are mentally challenged or intellectually disabled may need to be accompanied to dental appointments by a caregiver, since they may not be able to comprehend dental hygiene requirements or homecare instructions. Immunocompromised people and those with complex medical problems.
Can mental illness cause dry mouth?
An individual with a mental illness may have difficulty following proper dental hygiene regimens, obtaining dental care and countering the effects of medications that affect oral health (such as antidepressants that cause dry mouth).
How can dentists fill the void in dental care?
Dentists can fill the void in dental care for these individuals by making sure the office can accommodate patients with complex needs, understanding the patient’s medical and dental histories, and making modifications to dental treatment.
How to use behavioral management in pediatric dentistry?
Behavioral management techniques used in pediatric dentistry can often be applied to people with special needs , particularly on patients with intellectual disabilities. Throughout the procedure, the team should provide positive reinforcement. 18 Depending on the patient’s cognitive level, the dentist might have to repeat instructions several times. Direct observation can help patients who have not received significant dental care in the past; this involves allowing patients to watch a video or a patient directly being treated. 18 Having the patient’s caretaker pose as a patient in the dental chair, and permitting the patient to touch the chair, air-water syringes and lights can make a hesitant patient more relaxed. Patients who can communicate should be encouraged to ask questions.
What is the decision to use any type of sedation?
Providers who administer sedation need to be trained and certified according to state laws. The patient’s vitals must be monitored during the procedure, and the provider must have the appropriate life skills certification and know how to manage medical emergencies that could result from sedation. The following synopsis reviews various types of dental sedation:
What are some examples of dental anomalies?
Examples include patients with Down syndrome and congenitally missing teeth, or gingival hyperplasia caused by dilantin.
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act?
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination in access to services against people with disabilities. It requires dental offices to make reasonable accommodations for patients, and it is the dentist’s responsibility to maintain compliance. 10 Adequate parking and ramps must be available for patients with limited mobility. Placing handrails in the office can help patients with balance. Doorways, restrooms and operatories should be large enough to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
What should a receptionist do when a patient with special needs contacts the clinic?
When a patient with special needs contacts the clinic, the receptionist should ascertain as much information as possible. Typically, a patient or caregiver can describe the patient’s major medical concerns, any requested accommodations, and preferred appointment timing. The patient should be instructed to bring contact information for his or her physician (s) to the first appointment in case a medical consultation is necessary.
What is protective immobilization?
Protective stabilization is the restriction of patient’s freedom of movement —with or without the patient’s permission — to decrease risk of injury to the patient and provider. 18 The use of protective immobilization is controversial because it can cause psychological harm and violate the patient’s rights if performed unethically or performed without consent. Stabilization should never be used out of convenience; it should only be considered out of necessity, and the minimum stabilization required should be used. Examples of person-based immobilization are having someone hold the patient’s hands down and maintaining the head in position during the procedure. Papoose boards and body stabilization wraps can also be used, but a strong, determined patient could break away from the restraints.
Providing Patients with Special Needs Dentistry, with a Personalized Approach
While families in need of dentists for special needs adults and children require quality, comprehensive dental services, they also need a reliable source for ongoing care—and, education on how to continue optimal dental hygiene practices from home.
A New Generation of Skilled and Practiced Special Needs Dentists
Patients that require special needs dental services (and their family members) aren’t the only ones who will benefit from the Care Center for Persons with Disabilities.
How to care for a patient with special needs?
Caring for patients with special needs requires pre-treatment planning and proper assessment, including scheduling appointments for the appropriate time; performing a thorough medical/dental history in consultation with physicians, social workers, and caretakers; and appropriate patient communication. The entire dental team should be educated about how to best care for patients with special needs so the initial impression is an inviting one. Obtaining informed consent and conducting proper documentation are essential prior to the start of any treatment. The various treatment modifications for intraoral care can range from pillows and mouth props to toothbrush modifications and stand-up dental treatment. Caregivers as well as patients should be educated about nutrition and preventive oral care so that optimal oral health can be achieved and maintained.
Do you need informed consent for dental treatment?
Before dental treatment can begin, the patient or caregiver must provide informed consent. Clinicians need to provide patients/caregivers with information on all parameters of treatment—including the nature, risk, and benefits of the recommended treatment; any evidence-based alternatives to the procedure ; an explanation regarding the need for any type of stabilization; and possible complications associated with the proposed treatment—before informed consent can be given. 8–11,20
What to do if a patient is unable to relay requests or expectations about the appointment?
If the patient is unable to relay requests or expectations about the appointment, ask their caregiver. A caregiver, guardian, or parent is one of the best resources we have for the special needs patient. They know what the patient likes, what they don’t like, what’s upsetting to them, signs they are getting agitated, what reduces their stress or anxiety, as well as many other things that a dental provider would not be able to know or guess within the hour we have with them.
Do hygienists care about special needs patients?
Every hygienist wants to provide the best care for patients, but sometimes, we don’t know exactly how to do that when it comes to a patient with special needs. Hygienists tend to immediately feel at least some anxiety about the appointment with a special needs patient due to the unknown.
How can a clinician help a patient with special needs?
Clinicians can better serve patients with special needs by being prepared to offer treatment modifications. Here are 5 strategies when caring for patients with special needs. 1. COMMUNICATION. Patients with special needs may communicate in nontraditional ways, requiring clinicians to adapt to the situation. Speaking in short, simple sentences, ...
What is the best way to treat patients with special needs?
Oral health professionals must practice patience and empathy when treating patients with special needs as sounds of dental instruments, operatory lighting, and other sensory stimuli may disturb patients with disabilities, including autism , causing disruption during the dental visit. Being flexible and showing compassion is a must when caring for patients with cognitive, behavioral, or developmental disabilities.
What are the best ways to provide a pleasant dental experience?
5. COMFORT. Clinicians can provide patients with a pleasant dental experience in several ways. They should be prepared to offer distractions to quell nerves, weighted vests, headphones to cancel out noises in the operatory, and fluoride and toothpastes that the patient can tolerate.
Why is it important to practice empathy in dentistry?
Because standard dental procedures can be more difficult for patients with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, oral health professionals must practice empathy and take the time to get to know the patient and his or her caregiver. Clinicians can better serve patients with special needs by being prepared to offer treatment ...
Do dental offices have wheelchair ramps?
Aside from wheelchair ramps, dental practices should be user-friendly for patients who require treatment modifications. For instance, some patients may need to be transferred from wheelchair to the dental chair, others may be more comfortable with a rear delivery system rather than over the patient, and parents/caregivers may need to accompany the patient in the operatory.
Can dexterity prevent self care?
Limited dexterity may prevent patients with special needs from performing self-care. Some children and adults do not like certain tastes or textures of toothpastes. Arming parents and caregiver with ways to modify toothbrushes, and offering alternatives to strong-tasting toothpastes can help improve at-home oral hygiene routines.
Barriers to Care Faced by Special Needs Populations
Strategies For Overcoming Barriers to Care
- The addition of education on treating patients with special needs to dental and dental hygiene curriculum is one step toward improving access to care for this patient population. In 2006, for example, the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation introduced a standard requiring dental hygiene programs to educate students in the treatment of patients wit…
Considerations to Support Successful Treatment
- Before dental treatment can begin, the patient or caregiver must provide informed consent. Clinicians need to provide patients/caregivers with information on all parameters of treatment — including the nature, risk and benefits of the recommended treatment, any evidence-based alternatives to the procedure, an explanation regarding the need for any type of stabilization, an…
Helping Patients Maintain Effective Self-Care
- Patients with special needs may exhibit poor oral hygiene due to difficulty in performing self-care and because many take medications that cause negative oral health side effects, such as xerostomia.10,11,22 Clinicians can modify self-care devices to improve the effectiveness of oral hygiene regimens. For patients who have difficulty grasping, the use of a wide-handled power to…
References
- U.S. Census Bureau. Americans with Disabilities Act: Population Distribution. Available at: census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2015/cb15-ff10.html. Accessed August 9, 2016.
- Brault MW. Americans with disabilities: 2010. Available at: census.gov/newsroom/cspan/disability/20120726_cspan_disability_slides.pdf. Accessed August 9, 2016.
- U.S. Census Bureau. Americans with Disabilities Act: Population Distribution. Available at: census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2015/cb15-ff10.html. Accessed August 9, 2016.
- Brault MW. Americans with disabilities: 2010. Available at: census.gov/newsroom/cspan/disability/20120726_cspan_disability_slides.pdf. Accessed August 9, 2016.
- Dehaitem MJ, Ridley K, Kerschbaum WE, Inglehart MR, Habil P. Dental hygiene education about patients with special needs: A survey of U.S. programs. J Den Ed. 2008;72:1010–1019.
- Lee HS, Jung HI, Kim SM, Kim J, Doh RE, Lee JH. Attitudes of Korean dental students toward individuals with special health care needs. J Den Ed.2015;79:1024–1030.
