By Gbadebo Iman
Lola was born with Down syndrome, a condition that has had adverse effects on most aspects of her life including her oral health. First of all, she had her first set of teeth later than her twin brother. She also had a few missing teeth which made her an easy target for taunts in school earning her the nickname ‘katanfuru’. What gave her mother the most concern though, was the recurrent inflammation of her gums. Her friend suggested that she take her to see a special needs dentist. She was amused. She had no idea that there were dentists specifically trained to cater to her daughter’s needs. Like Lola’s mother, many have no idea that oral care for patients with special healthcare needs is different and that some dentists are trained to specifically cater to those needs.
What is special needs dentistry?
Special needs is an umbrella term used to describe individuals with physical, behavioral, developmental, or sensory impaired disabilities that may hinder the efficiency of their day-to-day activities. Any form of adaptation of regular health care to fit the needs of people under this category is regarded as special needs care.
Special needs dentistry involves preventive oral care and clinical treatment tailored to fit the needs of these individuals. It also entails working hand in hand with the care team of such individuals to maximize the quality of their healthcare. Some dentists specialize in the field to be able to best cater to people with special needs. Pediatric dentists also undergo some training necessary to be able to facilitate this form of oral care.
Who needs special dental care?
1. Patients with developmental conditions such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, etc.
2. Patients with physical disabilities who may need help with maintaining good oral hygiene due to their condition.
3. Patients with medical disabilities such as cancer,gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, etc.
4. Patients with emotional or mental needs who may have anxiety about dental visits.
They have higher occurrences of tooth decay due to crowding of teeth and poor oral hygiene, malocclusion, periodontal(gum) diseases, erosion of tooth enamel due to vomiting and grinding of teeth out of habit, or due to anxiety. This is why it is essential to have dental care specifically tailored to fit their needs.
Requirements for patients with special needs.
1. Mobility aids such as wheelchairs.
2. Behavioral assessment and management.
3. Mild, moderate, or deep sedation depending on the severity of the health impairment of the patient.
4. Home care which may be in cases of emergency or necessary due to the condition of the patient.
5. Equipment to deal with cardiopulmonary emergencies.
Dental care for special needs patients is different and does exist. Oral health is really important to their general health and shouldn’t be overlooked. By getting the required treatment and understanding the unique problems they encounter, their oral health can be significantly improved.
References
1.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303976962_Dental_Management_of_Special_Needs_Patients_A_Literature_Review
2. Expert Dental Care for Special Needs Patients (gentledental.com)
3. About SCDA (scdaonline.org)
4. Special Needs Dentistry | World of Dentistry
