Oral Health Care for Persons With Disabilities

People with disabilities often face challenges finding healthcare that is equipped to handle their unique needs, and dental care is no exception. However, considering that poor oral health is connected to overall health and can cause an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and more, going to the dentist is critical to controlling other health risks. Finding a special needs dentist and office equipped to accommodate disabled patients may be difficult. Penn Dental Medicine (PDM) opened its Care Center for Persons with Disabilities to ensure comprehensive, compassionate dental care is available for patients aged 14 and older with special needs.

Understanding Oral Health Care for Persons With Disabilities 

Approximately 1 in 4 Americans live with some form of disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These disabilities can be physical or cognitive and develop through disease, trauma, or age. Regardless of the cause, disabled persons often find challenges that make it hard to receive care, such as:

• Lack of Equipment: Many dental offices are not equipped to accommodate patients with disabilities. Missing accommodations include a lack of wheelchair access, specialized chairs, and other necessary equipment to serve individuals with mobility issues or requiring specific adaptations.

• Limited Provider Availability: There is a shortage of medical (including dental) practitioners who are trained to care for patients with disabilities.

• Insurance Limitations: Insurance coverage for dental care for individuals with special needs can be inadequate. For example, many insurance plans do not fully cover the costs associated with the additional time, resources, and techniques required for treating patients with disabilities.

• Anxiety and Behavioral Challenges: Patients with disabilities may experience higher levels of anxiety or behavioral challenges during dental visits, which can complicate the delivery of care. Dental professionals may not be equipped to manage these situations without additional training or resources.

• Sedation and Anesthesia Concerns: For certain procedures, sedation or general anesthesia may be necessary, especially for patients with severe disabilities. However, not all dental offices can provide sedation services.

These challenges can lead to inadequate dental care for individuals with disabilities, resulting in poor oral health outcomes and increased overall health risks.

How Are Disability and Oral Health Handled Differently at PDM?

Our Care Center for Persons with Disabilities provides:

1. Accessibility: Our location is designed to be fully accessible, with features that accommodate patients who use wheelchairs or have mobility issues. This includes accessible treatment areas, including a quiet room for those sensitive to light and sound, and specialized equipment that allows patients to receive care comfortably without the need to transfer from their mobility devices.
2. Trained Staff: The team is specifically trained in special needs dentistry. They are knowledgeable about the diverse needs of patients with disabilities and are skilled in employing techniques that ensure a positive and compassionate experience.
3. Sedation Dentistry: Understanding that some patients may experience anxiety or difficulty during dental procedures, the center provides sedation dentistry options. This can help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable during treatments, making dental visits less stressful and more manageable.
4. Education and Resources: We emphasize education’s importance for patients and caregivers and provide resources and guidance on maintaining oral hygiene at home, which is crucial for individuals with disabilities who may require additional support in their daily care routines.
5. Collaborative Care: We often collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care for patients. This multidisciplinary approach is essential for addressing the broader health needs of individuals with disabilities.
6. Affordable Pricing: Because of our educational mission, we deliver state-of-the-art care for a fraction of what most private dental practices charge.

Strategies for Successful Oral Care for Individuals With Disabilities

In addition to visiting the Care Center, Dr. Mark S. Wolff, Dean of the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and Karen Raposa, RDH, MBA, offer practical advice and tips to help caregivers make the patient’s experience go smoother. These include:

• Lining Up Treatment Consent and Complete Other Forms and Paperwork Beforehand. Anything that can be done before the appointment will lead to a more successful appointment. Reach out in advance to find out what you need to bring and what needs to be signed. Do it beforehand rather than taking time out of the appointment when the patient may already be stressed from the drive, tired, or anxious.

• Discovering What Will Happen When You Arrive. That way, the caregiver can make the patient comfortable by sharing what to expect beforehand. (Consider sharing photos, if available.)

• Sharing Information. If someone other than the caregiver is with the patient (such as a driver), put procedures in place to share all information needed for the visit beforehand and then afterward with the person who will ensure it’s followed.

• Taking Advantage of Teledentistry. This is a great way to get help with dental hygiene instructions, and it gives you another opportunity to share information.

• Considering Dietary Restrictions. Limit sugar or reduce the opportunities to eat sugary snacks throughout the day to decrease the chance of tooth decay.

Watch the video below to see their complete interview and additional strategies.

Need a Special Needs Dentist? Come to PDM

If you need a dentist for disabled adults, the Care Center for Disabled Persons at PDM offers the expert, compassionate care you want for them, along with support that can make your life as a caregiver easier. Make an appointment or call 215-898-8965. We look forward to helping your loved one receive the essential dental care they deserve.