Intellectual Impairment and Dentistry Flashcards

1
Q

what are the barriers to oral healthcare for patients with learning disability?

A
  • access
  • transition
  • individual characteristics
  • attitudes, skills and knowledge of staff
  • pain recognition
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2
Q

what individual characteristics can be a barrier to receiving oral healthcare?

A
  • cognitive, physical and behavioural difficulties that impact on someone’s ability to undertake daily oral care & cope with dental visit
  • dependence upon family carers or supporters
  • anxiety is a major factor influencing access to dental services
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3
Q

what access barriers can prevent patients with a learning disability from receiving oral healthcare?

A
  • not having a regular dentist
  • difficulties in getting an NHS dentist
  • cost of dental treatment
  • finding a GDP willing to provide treatment
  • complex referral systems
  • difficulties with transport
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4
Q

what pain recognition and response barriers can prevent patients with learning difficulties from accessing oral healthcare?

A
  • may find it difficult to communicate that they are in pain
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5
Q

what attitudes, skills and knowledge of dental staff barriers can prevent patients with learning difficulties from accessing oral healthcare?

A
  • can be challenging to provide dental treatment to people who struggle to understand what is being done and may be uncooperative
  • dentists may be unconfident about interactions
  • dentists may have lack of knowledge
  • poor attitudes from healthcare staff
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6
Q

what transition barriers can prevent patients with learning difficulties from accessing oral healthcare?

A
  • transition between children and adult health services can be a difficult process for people with learning disabilities
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7
Q

what are signs and symptoms that a person may be in pain include?

A
  • aggression directed towards themselves or others
  • changes to how the person holds or moves their body
  • altered facial expression
  • changes to mobility or balance
  • change in behaviour = tearfulness/irritability/withdrawal
  • changes to appetite or vocalisation
  • confusion
  • restlessness or changes in sleep patterns
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8
Q

how should verbal communication with people with a learning disability be structured ?

A
  • speak naturally and clearly
  • ask to repeat information if you dont understand
  • ask questions that can be answered ‘yes’ or ‘no’
  • don’t lead patients responses
  • allow enough time to communicate with patient slowly
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9
Q

what are examples of adjuncts to aid communication?

A
  • makaton
  • picture boards
  • letter boards
  • talking mats
  • draw
  • write
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10
Q

how can you create the right atmosphere for patients with learning disabilities?

A
  • non threatening environment
  • friendly
  • acclimatise (multiple visits)
  • consider augmentive techniques (relaxation, music etc)
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11
Q

what should you except from the first visit with a patient with a learning disability?

A
  • what can you find out before the visit
  • keep it simple
  • don’t expect too much
  • building trust and relationships
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12
Q

what aids can help with examination of patients with a learning difficulty?

A
  • bedi shield
  • open wide mouth rests
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13
Q

when is clinical holding permitted?

A
  • due to failure of other techniques
  • patient must consent
  • unplanned emergencies when patient poses a significant risk
  • always record in notes and justify
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14
Q

what are risk factors for poor oral health in patients with a learning disability?

A
  • frequent sugar intake
  • medications cause dry mouth
  • GORD
  • difficulty in accessing dental services
  • being non oral feeders
  • reduced dexterity
  • sensory sensitivity
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