How dentists learn behaviour support skills for adults with intellectual developmental disorders: A qualitative...

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Intellectual Developmental Disorders
• Patient Support Techniques

Background:

• Understanding how dentists develop patient support techniques for adults with intellectual developmental disorders (IDD) is crucial for improving training.
• Skilled dentists' methods for developing non-physical, non-pharmacological patient support techniques (nPSTs) for adults with IDD were explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the development of patient support techniques (PSTs) by dentists for adults with intellectual developmental disorders (IDD).
• To identify how these essential skills are acquired and how they can be taught more effectively.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive design utilizing synchronous online group interviews with six dentists.
• Thematic content analysis of interview data to identify learning categories and subcategories.
• Exploration of author biases and rigor in qualitative research.

Main Results:

• Three main categories emerged: Motivation to learn, Formal learning, and Informal learning (Observation, Trial and Error, Experience).
• Dentists were motivated by empathy and responsibility; formal undergraduate training was insufficient, often relying on adapted pediatric models.
• Individualized skillsets were developed over time through practical experience, observation, and learning from mistakes.

Conclusions:

• Essential patient support skills for adults with IDD are largely acquired in an ad hoc manner.
• Current learning methods have significant implications for dental training programs for both current and future professionals.
• Recommendations for improving dental education in this area have been formulated.