Those who have a family member among the 6.5 million people in the U.S. with intellectual or developmental disabilities won’t be surprised to hear that adequate dental care is the leading unmet health care need for this group.
A special needs patient coming to a dentist’s office already experiences severe difficulties as a result of the disability. Individual behaviors and preferences may further complicate the visit. You may have seen or experienced the following situations (and others):
- Those with autism may exhibit obsessive routines, repetitive actions, unpredictable body movements, and self-injurious behavior such as temper tantrums and head banging.
- People with physical disabilities often face challenges getting into surgery or even into the dental chair, requiring special assistance.
- Individuals with sensory processing disorders may respond to bright lights, loud noises, or unusual smells by, for instance, hitting, biting, closing the mouth and eyes, running away, crying, or yelling.
- Cavities are the most common dental issue seen in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), arising from problems performing routine activities like brushing teeth or flossing, as well as medications that can lead to changes in diet and appetite.
The reaction of special needs patients entering a dental office may range from confusion to outright panic. But that shouldn’t prevent anyone from having what every other patient hopes for a healthy mouth that contributes to overall health and well-being.
How to help improve the dental experience:
- Accommodations or requirements for special needs patients should be discussed when scheduling an appointment. An initial consultation may smooth a later examination or treatment.
- Special needs patients may find a dentist’s office highly unusual, even alien. Be prepared for distractions and disruptions that may result.
- Before an examination or treatment, special needs patients should be told what to expect so there are no surprises.
- If a special needs patient has especially severe oral health problems, it may require intensive treatment that may increase anxiety. That makes it all the more important to create an environment where future visits are seen as routine and safe.
Reducing barriers to care for special needs patients
Delta Dental of Connecticut (and New Jersey) is making it easier for patients to get the care they need – and for dentists to provide that care – with our new Special Health Care Needs benefit* available January 1, 2024. Because everyone deserves a healthy smile.
*Does not apply to Flagship, DeltaCare® USA, or Individual and Family Plans.
