Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
June 2013
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Vol:
14
Issue:
2

Evaluation of a pilot programme for increasing dental clinicians’ knowledge and confidence in treating children and adolescents with disabilities

Abstract Aim and objectives: In 2011, Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) identified a need to increase capacity within the public dental sector to treat and manage oral health in children and adolescents with special needs. Prior to the study, there were two dentists experienced in special needs dentistry in the Victorian public sector, who were dedicated to the provision of dental services to children and adolescents attending special and special developmental schools. Studies have shown that children in these schools are much more likely to have poorer oral health than children without disabilities. Methodology: Due to unmet demand, DHSV developed and delivered a six day educational programme to public sector dental clinicians in 2011. Disabilities covered in the educational programme included intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities. The aim of the programme was to increase the confidence of dentists and dental therapists to provide dental services to children and adolescents attending special schools. Evaluation was undertaken immediately on completion of the programme and at three months post-course completion. Results: Fourteen clinicians undertook the educational programme, and reported increases in their knowledge and confidence in treating and referring children and adolescents with special needs. Minor changes to the programme would further enhance its effectiveness. Conclusion: Educational programmes such as this have the potential to increase the clinical care provided to patients with special needs.

Key words: Disability, oral hygiene, education, special needs, special care dentistry, children, adolescents.

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£0.00
Page Start
43
Page End
51
Authors
J M Martin, T S Arnold-Smith, J A Butcher, M S Hopcraft, H Calache

Articles from this issue

  • Title
  • Pg. Start
  • Pg. End

  1. Editorial - Education in Special Care Dentistry- too exclusive?
  2. 40
  3. 40

  1. Guidance on the core content of an Undergraduate Curriculum in Special Care Dentistry
  2. 41
  3. 42

  1. Evaluation of a pilot programme for increasing dental clinicians’ knowledge and confidence in treating children and adolescents with disabilities
  2. 43
  3. 51

  1. Investigation into the cancer and radiation history of a cohort of patients with osteoradionecrosis following dental extractions in irradiated areas
  2. 53
  3. 60

  1. NICE guidelines on antibiotic prophylaxis against infective endocarditis: An audit of patients understanding of the guidelines, and the implications for dental practitioners
  2. 61
  3. 72

  1. The impact of congenital alkaline phosphatase deficiency on oral health condition: a literature review
  2. 73
  3. 81

  1. Diary Dates
  2. 86
  3. 86

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