Disability & Legislation Flashcards
Provide examples of groups seen by special care dentists
- learning disability
- physical disability
- mental health problem
- homeless, refugee, asylum seekers
- medically compromised
- older people
- people requiring behavioural management techniques
What is an impairment?
- loss or abnormality of physiological, psychological or anatomical structure or function at the level of the organ or systems function
What is a disability?
- any restriction or lack of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered to be normal for a human being
- functional performance or activity as a result of an impairment
What is a handicap?
- a disadvantage for an individual resulting from an impairment or a disability that limits the fulfilment of a role that is normal for that individual
What legislation is important in special care dentistry?
- The Human Rights Act 2000
- Disability Discrimination Act 2005
- The Equality Act 2010
- The Adults with Incapacity Act (Scotland)
- NHS terms of service
- GDC
What is the Equality Act 2010?
- legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society
- provides legal framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equal opportunity for all
- discrimination law which protects individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair and more equal society
What are the 9 protected characteristics?
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage or civil partnerships
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
What are the different types of discrimination?
- direct
- treating someone with a protected characteristic less favourably than others
- indirect
- putting rules or arrangements in place that apply to everyone
- put someone with a protected characteristic at an unfair disadvantage
- harassment
- unwanted behaviour linked to a protected characteristic
- violates someones dignity
- creates an offensive environment
- victimisation
- treating someone unfairly because they have complained about discrimination or harassment
Where does the Equality Act 2010 provide protection?
- at work
- in education
- as a consumer
- when using public services
- when buying or renting property
- as a member or guest of a private club or association
What does the Equality Act 2010 define as a disability?
- having a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long term negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities
What oral health inequalities are evident as a result of disability?
- increased edentulous rate
- increased pain experienced
- increased psychological discomfort
- poorer oral hygiene (physical difficulty/xerostomia)
What are the legal duties detailed by the Equality Act 2010?
- to make reasonable adjustments to reduce the barriers that may affect people accessing care
What reasonable adjustments can be made to reduce barriers?
- change the way things are done
- change a physical feature
- provide extra aids or services
What are the 5 domains of overcoming barriers?
- accessibility
- geographical location
- specific facilities may be required
- domiciliary services are limited
- accommodation
- the relationship between the organisation of services and the patient’s needs
- transition between services
- timing and length of appointments
- affordability
- direct cost of dental treatment
- indirect costs such as transport, prescriptions and loss of earnings
- acceptability
- what is deemed acceptable varies between patients
- available
- lack of suitable available services can discourage patients
- availability of GA, sedation and specialists is limited
- prolonged waiting lists act as barriers
What is advocacy?
-advocates help people get support from another person to help express their views and wishes