Authors: Brickhouse, Tegwyn H.¹; Farrington, Frank H.¹; Best, Al M.²; Ellsworth, Chad W.³

Source: Journal of Dentistry for Children, Volume 76, Number 3, September-December 2009 , pp. 188-193(6)

Publisher: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Abstract:

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to examine the reported use of dental services for families of children with autistic spectrum disorders and identify barriers that affect their access to dental care.

Methods: Participants were caregivers of at least 1 child with an autism spectrum disorder. Caregivers completed a questionnaire that assessed access and barriers to dental services. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to examine dental care access issues in relation to individual factors.

Results: Each respondent's household income and child's history of difficult behavior in the dental office were significantly related to the ability to receive care when needed and whether the child had a regular dental provider. An inability to find a dentist with the skills or willingness to work with people with disabilities was the most frequent reason cited for not having a regular dental provider.

Conclusions: Children with autism spectrum disorders who display difficult behavior are less likely to have a dentist for routine car, have longer intervals between dental appointments, and receive care when needed.

Keywords: CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTHCARE NEEDS; HEALTH PROMOTION/HEALTH SERVICES/ACCESS TO CARE; AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Richmond, VA 2: Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics, Richmond, VA 3: Pediatric dentist in private practice, Las Vegas, NV

Publication date: 2009-09-01

More about this publication?

• Acquired after the merger between the American Society of Dentistry for Children and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry in 2002, the Journal of Dentistry for Children (JDC) is an internationally renowned journal whose publishing dates back to 1934. Published three times a year, JDC promotes the practice, education and research specifically related to the specialty of pediatric dentistry. It covers a wide range of topics related to the clinical care of children, from clinical techniques of daily importance to the practitioner, to studies on child behavior and growth and development. JDC also provides information on the physical, psychological and emotional conditions of children as they relate to and affect their dental health.
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