What is it?

An analysis of the state of oral health care for people with physical and developmental disabilities.

What problem does it aim to solve?

Even though there is a large workforce of oral health care providers, there is an inadequate number of providers trained to care for adults with disabilities.

How does it work?

“We have been trying for the past couple of decades to address the issues of care through the lens of the ‘triple aim’: improving the patient experience, improving the health of the population, and reducing the cost of healthcare. Recently, another aim has been identified: lower burnout [among] providers.” 

What are the findings?

A set of recommendations to boost the numbers of practitioners trained to work with this population, and hopefully improved oral health outcomes for these patients!

What are the next steps?

“A collaborative and integrated interdisciplinary approach” is needed. “Nontraditional integration of nurses, physicians, behaviorists, nutritionists, occupational and physical therapists, direct support professionals, social services, insurance industry, advocates, self-advocates, and other associated organizations into dental education could also be valuable… Recognize the healthcare disparities of the whole person, not just their teeth; Incorporate prevention strategies, such as caries risk and periodontal risk assessment, to avoid oral disease and hospital dentistry; If hospital dentistry is needed, consider a comprehensive approach with other medical disciplines; Become the needed workforce through continuing education; Learn technology like telehealth to improve access to those who need care.”

Source

“Interdisciplinary Oral Health for Those with Special Health Care Needs“, Dental Clinics of North America, Volume 66, Issue 2, April 2022, Pages 283-291

Authors

Allen Wong DDS, EdD, DABSCD, University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco
Lisa Itaya DDS, University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco