IADR Abstract Archives
Access to dental care in individuals with disability: A systematic review
Objectives: To explore the factors influencing access to oral health services in disabled individuals. To identify and examine the strategies to improve the access
Methods: PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases were searched. Studies except editorials reported in English regardless of the study design were included. Search was carried out on 23rd May 2023. Risk of Bias assessment was carried out using Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, New Castle Ottawa Scale and JBI tool for cross sectional, case control and cohort and qualitative studies respectively.
Results: 11,372 records were initially identified, eventually leading to 12 relevant publications to be included in the review. Seven studies were cross sectional, one was case control, two were cohort and the remaining two were qualitative in nature. Individuals’ valued oral health but found it difficult to access oral health services. Dental care was mainly accessed during emergencies and most participants (64.6%) felt apprehensive about visiting a local dentist because of their health condition and 38.4% already required dental treatment. Older individuals and women were reported to have lesser annual dental visits. Family size and education level impacted the struggles finding a treating dentist. Caregiver’s and dentist’s perspective was also reported in this study.
Conclusions: There is a need for provision of education, training and increasing awareness on dental hygiene and annual dental checkups to improve the access. It leverages the facilitators such as specialized dental professionals, collaborative partnerships, and reasonable accommodations.
Methods: PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases were searched. Studies except editorials reported in English regardless of the study design were included. Search was carried out on 23rd May 2023. Risk of Bias assessment was carried out using Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, New Castle Ottawa Scale and JBI tool for cross sectional, case control and cohort and qualitative studies respectively.
Results: 11,372 records were initially identified, eventually leading to 12 relevant publications to be included in the review. Seven studies were cross sectional, one was case control, two were cohort and the remaining two were qualitative in nature. Individuals’ valued oral health but found it difficult to access oral health services. Dental care was mainly accessed during emergencies and most participants (64.6%) felt apprehensive about visiting a local dentist because of their health condition and 38.4% already required dental treatment. Older individuals and women were reported to have lesser annual dental visits. Family size and education level impacted the struggles finding a treating dentist. Caregiver’s and dentist’s perspective was also reported in this study.
Conclusions: There is a need for provision of education, training and increasing awareness on dental hygiene and annual dental checkups to improve the access. It leverages the facilitators such as specialized dental professionals, collaborative partnerships, and reasonable accommodations.