Dentists’ Attitude Towards Dental Treatment of Disabled Patients

Abstract

Background Dental care is widely acknowledged as one of the most significant challenges facing individuals with disabilities. These patients cannot care for themselves and more attention should be paid to these individuals, particularly in oral health care. Aim of the Study This research investigates the knowledge and expertise of the dentists at Ajman University regarding the treatment of individuals with disabilities and the factors influencing their ability to treat these patients in private practice. Materials and Methods Methods included a descriptive cross-sectional survey employing 18 fixed-choice questions administered to a representative sample of 150 dentists working in the Ajman University area (Both Ajman and Fujairah campuses). Results Most participants admitted to a lack of ideal expertise in working with individuals with disability. However, being in the minority, such individuals have acceptable experience to provide the first line treatment. Conclusion The vast majority of participants expressed limitations with their training and limitations with an advanced level of care for this popular one. Other factors influencing the treatment of individuals with disabilities included the time it takes to treat the patients, inability to communicate with such patients, lack of patient collaboration, fear of causing harm to the patient and auxiliary staff and diminished patient compliance.

Factors associated with dental interns and professors perception of the management of disabled patients: A cross-sectional study under multivariable analysis

“…Some courses only cover a few related topics. This is consistent with findings from studies by Salah et al [ 34 ] and Ajwa et al [ 5 ], who suggest that university education is insufficient for treating patients with disabilities. In addition, it is possible that other factors contribute to the negative perception uncovered in this study, including the length of time required to treat these patients, inadequate communication capabilities, patient non-cooperation, fear of harming the patient, and other possible variables [ 34 ].…”

Perception of Special-Care Dentistry among Dental Students at Universitas Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In contrast, the lack of clinical exposure in the treatment of patients with infectious diseases, psychological or behavioral problems, and intellectual disability conditions is reflected in the low level of comfort among dental students toward providing care for those patients. A possible explanation is that the students did not receive enough didactic exposure, and clinical experience indicated discomfort and reluctance to treat special-needs patients [21,32]. Other factors that contribute to the limited treatment for special-needs patients include the time needed to treat the patient, lack of support for the patient, the inability to communicate with patients, and fear of causing harm [32].…”

“…A possible explanation is that the students did not receive enough didactic exposure, and clinical experience indicated discomfort and reluctance to treat special-needs patients [21,32]. Other factors that contribute to the limited treatment for special-needs patients include the time needed to treat the patient, lack of support for the patient, the inability to communicate with patients, and fear of causing harm [32].…”