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Access to Dental Care—A Survey from Dentists, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

Author

Listed:
  • Gianmaria D’Addazio

    (Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy)

  • Manlio Santilli

    (Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy)

  • Bruna Sinjari

    (Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy)

  • Edit Xhajanka

    (Department of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Tirana, Rruga e Dibrës, 1001 Tirana, Albania)

  • Imena Rexhepi

    (Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy)

  • Rocco Mangifesta

    (Occupational Allergy, Nanomaterials and Fibers Biosafety and Immunotoxicology Group, CAST, University “G d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy)

  • Sergio Caputi

    (Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy)

Abstract

The literature highlights differences in the dental conditions of people with disabilities compared with the general population. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the dental health of people with disabilities in order to understand if their needs are met and to identify their most critical issues as per dentists. A paper and a Google Form platform were used in conducting a survey in Central Italy (the Abruzzo region), by performing an analysis on different points of view as reported by people with disabilities and dentists. The results showed that only 69.2% of dentists treat persons with disabilities. Of these, 73.5% treat less than 10 patients with physical disabilities per year. However, 54% of dentists do not treat people with cognitive impairment and a poor ability to collaborate during treatment. More than 80% of respondent dentists report that people with disabilities do not have good oral hygiene. On the other hand, 49.1% of people with disabilities (or their caregivers in cases where the patient was unable to answer) report that they rarely or never go to the dental office. Moreover, when they do go, it is mainly for emergencies. Despite this, respondents are well aware of their dental problems. However, they have difficulties in communicating their dental problems to their dentist. The 50% of dentists who treat people with cognitive impairment do not include them in follow-up, while only 20% of these patients reported being regularly recalled. This illustrates the importance of the implementation of follow-up. In addition, training courses could help clinicians to reduce this gap and create barrier-free dental offices.

Suggested Citation

  • Gianmaria D’Addazio & Manlio Santilli & Bruna Sinjari & Edit Xhajanka & Imena Rexhepi & Rocco Mangifesta & Sergio Caputi, 2021. "Access to Dental Care—A Survey from Dentists, People with Disabilities and Caregivers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:1556-:d:494757
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Caroline Gondlach & Céline Catteau & Martine Hennequin & Denise Faulks, 2019. "Evaluation of a Care Coordination Initiative in Improving Access to Dental Care for Persons with Disability," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-9, August.
    2. Bruna Sinjari & Imena Rexhepi & Manlio Santilli & Gianmaria D′Addazio & Piero Chiacchiaretta & Piero Di Carlo & Sergio Caputi, 2020. "The Impact of COVID-19 Related Lockdown on Dental Practice in Central Italy—Outcomes of A Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-14, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Natalia S. Rozas & Hillary D. Strassner & June M. Sadowsky & Cameron B. Jeter, 2022. "Barriers and Motivations to Provide Dental Care to Adult Patients with Movement Disorders," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-10, April.
    2. Stefano Cianetti & Chiara Valenti & Massimiliano Orso & Giuseppe Lomurno & Michele Nardone & Anna Palma Lomurno & Stefano Pagano & Guido Lombardo, 2021. "Systematic Review of the Literature on Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease in Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Individuals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-22, November.
    3. Ina Nitschke & Siri Nitschke & Cornelius Haffner & Bernhard A. J. Sobotta & Julia Jockusch, 2022. "On the Necessity of a Geriatric Oral Health Care Transition Model: Towards an Inclusive and Resource-Oriented Transition Process," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-19, May.

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