Part two of our series explores how technology and education are transforming dental care for patients with disabilities. Discover strategies to grow your practice with enhanced patient care.
By Genni Burkhart
With 1 in 4 Americans having a disability (more than 70 million people), ensuring equitable dental care requires a combination of technology, education, collaboration, and compassion.
In the first article of this series, we explored how inclusive care improves the patient experience, but how does it benefit you as a dental professional? Caring for patients with disabilities often leads to long-term, loyal relationships, strengthening your reputation and bringing in more patient referrals. By making your practice accessible, you’re not just meeting a vital need—you’re building a stronger, more trusted practice in your community.
Even if your practice isn’t fully dedicated to patients with disabilities, there are practical, straightforward steps you can take to enhance your care and make your services accessible to a broader patient base.
In this second installment of a two-part series on treating patients with special healthcare needs (SHCN), we'll explore technology and educational advancements that provide practical strategies for treating this growing population.
Tech Benefits All
Technology continues to transform patient care in dentistry. It also holds particular promise for patients with special needs. Tools like digital imaging, intraoral scanners, and noise-reducing equipment (already standard in many practices) can improve comfort and accessibility. With a few adjustments, the technology you already use can significantly improve the care your SHCN patients experience.
- Teledentistry
Teledentistry emerged as a pivotal tool in expanding access to dental services during the pandemic. Remote consultations reduce the need for physical visits, alleviating mobility and transportation challenges. This approach ensures continuous care and timely interventions, enhancing patient outcomes.
- Going Digital
In-office digital technology has significantly improved patient comfort and procedural efficiency. For instance, 3D printing technology enables the creation of customized dental prosthetics, often on the same day, catering to the unique anatomical and health concerns of SHCN patients.
- Sensory Tools
As many dentists and hygienists know, patients present with various health ailments that aren't always easily recognized, such as sensory disorders. Patients can present with a wide variety of dental phobias, fears, and anxieties, making the dental practice a place of immense stress for some patients. However, with simple tools, such as weighted blankets, music, tranquil lighting, tinted eyeglasses, and sensory rooms, the anxiety some patients feel when they're in the dental operatory can be alleviated. Other treatment tools include mouth props, medical immobilization devices (MIDs), and foam rollers or towels for discomfort and positioning patients.
Education and Accreditation
The evolution of dental education is crucial in addressing the needs of SHCN patients. In 2017, the National Council on Disability (NCD) reported that 75% of dental students lacked experience in caring for patients with disabilities.
Fortunately, dedicated dental institutions have recognized this disparity and pioneered programs to train students to treat patients with disabilities. Two such schools are Texas A&M University and the University of Washington (which started its disability dental training program in the 1970s).
In 2019, the National Council on Disability recommended that all U.S. dental schools train students to treat people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Furthermore, the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) mandates that dental education programs include comprehensive training for treating patients with special needs. This directive ensures graduates are equipped to provide inclusive care, reflecting a significant shift towards more adaptive oral healthcare.
Continuing Education
Professional development allows dental professionals to stay informed and updated on every aspect of care. Continuing education programs like those listed below offer dental professionals opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge in treating SHCN patients. Some programs include:
- UW School of Dentistry, Treating Patients with Mild-Moderate Special Needs Online Course
- Penn Dental Medicine, Comprehensive Dental Care Training for Persons with Disabilities
In Conclusion
As the number of people with disabilities continues to grow, it’s important to recognize they aren’t just statistics but integral members of our communities and part of the collective patient population. Across the U.S., dental clinics that specialize in accommodating care to SHCN patients are primarily shouldered by universities and progressive care organizations.
Embracing sensory adaptive care and accommodations for patients with disabilities reflects a forward-thinking approach. It uses innovative tools and strategies to enhance care, broadening your patient base and establishing your practice as an inclusive oral healthcare leader in your community.
Author: With over 14 years as a published journalist, editor, and writer, Genni Burkhart's career has spanned politics, healthcare, law, business finance, technology, and news. She resides in Northern Colorado, where she works as the editor-in-chief of the Incisor at DOCS Education.
