Dental Aspects

Intellectual Disability and Dental Services: Experience from Israel

“…The papoose board is standard equipment in each dental clinic and we feel that this procedure is preferable and less risky to sedation or GA (6). …”

“…We have conducted several surveys over time in order to monitor the dental health status of people with IDD ( 6 ) and we will here repeat some of the findings. The first dental survey was conducted in 1971–1972 by the School of Dental Medicine at Tel Aviv University at three government residential care center, including 573 residents with IDD out of a total residential care population of 2,700 ( 6 , 9 ). During this period in time, there were no dental clinics available for this population and the study was conducted via a mobile dental clinic (a bus) with four dental chairs ( 6 , 9 ).…”

“…In another publication ( 6 ), we looked at a systematic review of 27 original papers ( 7 ) that showed this population has poorer oral hygiene, higher prevalence, and severity of periodontal disease. Concerning the rate of caries in this population, it was observed the same as or higher than the general population, but untreated caries was found constantly higher.…”

“…Concerning the rate of caries in this population, it was observed the same as or higher than the general population, but untreated caries was found constantly higher. Down syndrome and people with IDD unable to cooperate with routine dental care were at high risk for oral health problems ( 6 , 7 ).…”

Periodontal disease and the special needs patient

“…In addition, chemical adjuncts to aid plaque control may simplify conventional oral hygiene care in situations where difficulties are experienced (9,50). In conditions where gingival hyperplasia (17) or xerostomia (14,22,23,32,58,70) occur, daily plaque removal and regular professional cleanings are essential.…”