91成人导航

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?

鈥淲e have been trying for the past couple of decades to address the issues of care through the lens of the 鈥榯riple aim鈥�: 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.鈥� 

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?

鈥淎 collaborative and integrated interdisciplinary approach鈥� is needed. 鈥淣ontraditional 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鈥� 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.鈥�

Source

, Dental Clinics of North America, Volume 66, Issue 2, April 2022, Pages 283-291

Authors

Allen Wong DDS, EdD, DABSCD, 91成人导航, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco
Lisa Itaya DDS, 91成人导航, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco