According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately one out of five Americans has a disability. Providing oral healthcare to individuals with disabilities may require modifications to the delivery of treatment and the types of treatment delivered. This course is targeted toward dental health providers who endeavor to identify strategies that increase their ability to deliver dental care to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, acquired disabilities, and other individuals with special healthcare needs.
This course will review the chairside strategies to help create a comfortable environment for patients with special healthcare needs. Taking course WPMD2, “Clinical Approaches to Special Care Dentistry,” in the afternoon is not mandatory, but it can be advantageous in regard to dental materials for this population.
Learning Objectives:
Review the history and current U.S. regulations regarding providing treatment for individuals with disabilities.
Learn about common intellectual and developmental disabilities that individuals may present with in the dental office.
Discuss common legal and ethical questions related to treating individuals with special healthcare needs.
Identify strategies and modifications to dental treatment options and dental treatment delivery for individuals with special needs.