Methods: A 32-item questionnaire was adapted from existing validated surveys of health care providers. Qualitative interviews and field-testing among dentists, dental hygienists, and occupational therapists were conducted to ascertain a high degree of face and content validity of the questionnaire. The survey included questions regarding the occupational therapists’ role in assisting individuals with disabilities with oral health practices. Likert scales were used for ordinal and count responses.
Results: Responses from 23 OT respondents to the on-line survey indicated most (85%) agreed they can play a useful role in improving the oral health practices of individuals with disabilities. Over half (67%) did not feel as confident providing recommendations regarding oral health practices as with other forms of personal care and 61% reported limited information and knowledge specifically regarding the oral health practices of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A majority (71%) indicated they would like more information regarding interprofessional collaborations between OTs and dentists to assist in adaptive practices for oral home care.
Conclusions: Initial results of this on-line survey indicated that occupational therapists believed they have an important role in improving the oral health of individuals with developmental and acquired disabilities. Most respondents agreed that further educational opportunities to exchange information between OT and dental professionals could serve to improve oral health practices of individuals with disabilities.