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 dental materials and techniques for the provision of direct dental treatment. Taking course WPMD1, “Practical Approaches to Special Care Dentistry,” prior to this course can augment your knowledge with this population, but it is not mandatory.
Learning Objectives:
Review the historical background regarding access-to-care issues related to individuals with disabilities.
Learn about common challenges in providing dental treatment for individuals with disabilities.
Discuss multiple dental materials for different clinical presentations for individuals with special healthcare needs.
Identify strategies and modifications to “ideal” dental treatment that will lead to a “practical” dental treatment that is acceptable for patients.