Oral health education and promotion in special needs children: Systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Intellectual disability (ID) is characterised by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviours (Schalock et al., 2010). Its onset occurs during the developmental period (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), before 18 years of age (Schalock et al., 2010), while the classification for severity (mild, moderate, severe or profound) reflects the level of support required for functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).Developmental disability is "a severe, long-term disability that can affect cognitive ability, physical functioning or both," is considered to appear before age 22 and is likely to be life-long (National Institutes of Health, 2010).The literature suggests that those with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) experience poorer health, as reflected in frequency of emergency hospital admissions (Hosking et al., 2017;

Association between disability status and dental attendance patterns in Australian children: A national survey

“…6,10,24 A recent study evaluating oral health utilization in children with Rett's syndrome found that mothers who had only completed high school education visited private dental clinics less often compared with those who had completed a tertiary degree. 31 However, this could possibly reinforce the previously stated belief that parents may be accessing more public sector services and care provided through hospitals alongside multi-disciplinary medical management. [27][28][29][30] Findings from this study also focus on the role of household income towards dental attendance patterns.…”

“…One study of Australian adults revealed that those with disabilities living in regional communities had a lower dental attendance rate compared with those living in major cities 19 . It was suggested that the lack of appropriate transport and associated costs can influence regular attendance for individuals living regionally 19,31 . This barrier is likely to be intensified for parents taking care of children with disabilities as medical costs and balancing appointments with work can all undermine regular dental attendance significantly 2,6,8 .…”

“…[29][30][31] Furthermore, geographical restrictions to appropriate access to dental services and the challenging transition into adult-based services can present as barriers to regular attendance patterns. 31 One study of Australian adults revealed that those with disabilities living in regional communities had a lower dental attendance rate compared with those living in major cities. 19 It was suggested that the lack of appropriate transport and associated costs can influence regular attendance for individuals living regionally.…”

“…19 It was suggested that the lack of appropriate transport and associated costs can influence regular attendance for individuals living regionally. 19,31 This barrier is likely to be intensified for parents taking care of children with disabilities as medical costs and balancing appointments with work can all undermine regular dental attendance significantly. 2,6,8 Additionally, findings from this study revealed greater irregular dental attendance patterns within the cohort of older Australian children with disabilities.…”

“…31 Socioeconomic status does not only affect whether private or public oral health services are accessed, but these familial socioeconomic factors can also suggestively influence risk factors such as diet, access to appropriate oral hygiene adjuncts and time availability to attend dental appointments. [29][30][31] Furthermore, geographical restrictions to appropriate access to dental services and the challenging transition into adult-based services can present as barriers to regular attendance patterns. 31 One study of Australian adults revealed that those with disabilities living in regional communities had a lower dental attendance rate compared with those living in major cities.…”