Challenges Impacting Delaware Dental Professionals' Capacity to Care for Patients with Disabilities

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Public Health
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Nearly 1 in 6 Delaware residents has a disability, yet many face challenges accessing appropriate dental care.
• Individuals with special needs often encounter difficulties finding dental providers equipped to meet their unique requirements.
• Limited provider confidence and preparedness create significant barriers to special needs dental care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore factors influencing dental professionals' perceived capacity to treat patients with disabilities.
• To identify barriers and challenges in providing dental care for individuals with special needs.
• To inform strategies for improving dental provider competence and patient access.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative thematic analysis of virtual interviews with dentists and dental hygienists in Delaware.
• Convenience sampling used to recruit participants for recorded interviews.
• Interviews transcribed and analyzed to identify recurring themes and perceptions.

Main Results:

• Dental professionals expressed low confidence and limited experience in treating patients with disabilities.
• Inadequate education, training, accessibility, time constraints, and insurance coverage were identified as key barriers.
• The wide spectrum of disabilities complicates provider preparedness.
• General practice residency was highlighted as crucial for gaining necessary experience.

Conclusions:

• There is a pressing need to improve special needs dental care, supported by interview data and public sources.
• Expanding education, mentorship, and hands-on clinical experience is essential for enhancing provider competence.
• Recommendations include integrating more hands-on training in dental schools, requiring continuing education, improving Medicaid reimbursement, and establishing special needs clinic days.