Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
June 2015
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Vol:
16
Issue:
2

Editorial

Editorial
Special in many ways

Every so often, we are reminded why working in Special Care Dentistry makes us feel so passionate about our subject. It could be a simple smile from a patient when they recognise you, satisfaction from carrying out simple or challenging technical tasks to complex patients within a likeminded team or perhaps advocating for improvement in oral health within a care home. All of us can think of similar moments as we provide oral care for the diverse groups of patients we serve. But occasionally, real recognition comes from the raw enthusiasm shown by a student or staff member when they tell those who do not understand what Special Care Dentistry is, why they are so enthusiastic and motivated to work in this area of Dentistry. This may produce a profound emotional effect, and challenge you to re-examine your own beliefs and behaviours. Over time and with experience of different financial, educational and health and social care systems, there is potential for complacency and fatigue to occur. Yet such ‘light-bulb moments’ provide opportunity for thought, re-evaluation and regrouping of energies. Time spent in reflection is not wasted, as potentially new ideas can be generated and to a degree, decisions made to devise more effective working and educational practices, within the resources and time constraints that we encounter. Interest and enthusiasm in working with people with intellectual disabilities (ID) is demonstrated in two complementary papers highlighting the ongoing and excellent work of the Special Smiles programme within the Health Athletes Programme.1 The first study describes the oral health and dental behaviours of Special Olympics (SO) athletes who took part in the Special Smiles oral health screenings in Australia in 2010. The challenges faced by the volunteer dentists in collecting oral health data and screening 286 consenting SO athletes with ID are discussed.

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£
Page Start
42
Page End
42
Authors

Articles from this issue

  • Title
  • Pg. Start
  • Pg. End

  1. Diary Dates
  2. 0
  3. 0

  1. Editorial
  2. 42
  3. 42

  1. The challenges of oral health data collection among people with intellectual disabilities: results from Special Olympics Australia
  2. 43
  3. 48

  1. Follow-up of Special Olympics athletes post oral health screenings
  2. 49
  3. 53

  1. A service review investigating dental extractions in a specialist screening clinic prior to intravenous bisphosphonates for patients with cancer
  2. 54
  3. 58

  1. Moving away from fee for service is a necessary step in the evolution of dental practice for patients with special healthcare needs
  2. 59
  3. 62

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