Accommodating dentist physical disability
This has increased the likelihood that health care providers, including oral health professionals, will treat these patients in traditional medical/dental settings.Patients with disabilities are often of low socioeconomic status.Dental health professionals need to be prepared to accommodate patients with special needs, regardless of the type of disability.Patients with broken or amputated limbs, one or more sensory impairments, or who use wheelchairs may require modifications of the oral health care treatment plan.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.In order to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act, dental offices must be wheelchair accessible.Many individuals with special needs are without private health insurance and, instead, rely on government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid to pay for their medical and dental care.
In addition to obtaining an accurate, comprehensive and current medical history, patient assessment (including range of motion, comprehension level and communication type), and pretreatment planning are essential.
The National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped is a national organization of volunteer clinicians dedicated to meeting the needs of patients with physical, medical and mental disabilities by providing dental care to those who cannot afford treatment and are not eligible for public aid.
Older adults and individuals with disabilities are connected to dentists in their communities who provide comprehensive dental treatment, including prosthetics, at little to no cost.
Oral health care teams should embrace an interdisciplinary and interprofessional approach to care when treating this patient cohort.
Legislative reform of private and public reimbursement systems is needed to ensure that dental care for patients with special needs is covered.
Bridge Campaign of Concern is a dental outreach program in which clinicians, typically dental hygienists, provide preventive services and patient education to individuals with developmental disabilities in schools, vocational centers and group homes.