Organization of Dental Care for Children, Including Those with Autism Spectrum Disorders

The purpose of the study is to examine the system of dental care for children, particularly those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), to identify key principles and factors affecting its effectiveness.

The study analyzes 50 scientific literature sources from PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases, focusing on the dental health of children, including those with ASD, inclusive dental programs, and sensory adaptation methods. The study reviews the experience of dental care provision in the United States, Kazakhstan, Italy, Cameroon, Australia, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Brazil, New Zealand, Germany, France, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and China.

Various funding models (free, paid, and insurance-based) and their impact on service accessibility are examined. It is established that access to dental care for children largely depends on the healthcare funding system in a given country. Children have broader access to services in nations with free medical care, whereas in countries with predominantly private financing, access can be limited, especially for low-income families. The use of sensory-adapted techniques and an individualized approach to treating children with ASD enhances the effectiveness of dental care, reduces anxiety in children, and improves their cooperation with dentists. Due to difficulties in oral hygiene maintenance and behavioral characteristics, children with ASD are more likely to suffer from caries and gingivitis compared to their healthy peers. Parental knowledge of oral hygiene directly affects the health status of children. Educational programs for parents can greatly reduce the prevalence of dental diseases among children. The implementation of modern diagnostic systems, such as Qscan Plus, allows for the early detection of dental issues. This is particularly important for children with ASD, as early diagnosis minimizes the need for invasive procedures, which can be stressful for them.

The findings indicate that existing dental care programs are often not adapted to the needs of children with ASD, highlighting the need to develop specialized preventive programs and integrate innovative diagnostic technologies, such as the Qscan Plus system. These measures can improve early detection and prevention of dental diseases, enhancing the overall quality of dental care for children with ASD.

Madraimov N, Abdukalikova D, Dosberdiyeva G, et al. Organization of Dental Care for Children, Including Those with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(4):433-443.