Barriers in Utilization and Access of Dental Services for SHCN in Pampanga

Objectives:
To analyze the relationship between the demographic profiles of the respondents and their perceived barriers and factors affecting the proper utilization and access of Dental Services for patients with Special Health Care Needs.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in San Fernando Elementary School Special Education Department, San Fernando Pampanga and carried out between May 2023 to June 2023. The survey questions were to be distributed using the Google form, directlyanswering on the said databased collection.
Results: the respondents agreed that there were 8 factors to consider as patient factor in considering the access of dental service. While there were 4 factors and barriers to consider in the utilization of dental services. Imply that age, employment, monthly income, and number of children may influence the assessment of the perceived barriers and factors.
Conclusions: Parents , guardians and caregivers of special healthcare needs patients in San Fernando Elementary School, SPED
Department, perceived some difficulties accessing dental care services for individuals with special healthcare needs.