Special Needs Flashcards
What are some types of special needs patients?
Physical
Cognitive
Mental/psychological
Sensory
Behavioral
___ is really important for special needs patients
Prevention (oral hygiene)
Nearly __% of households in the US have someone with special needs
20%
More than 60% of these peopl have trouble taking care of themselves
What are the most important tools in treating a pt with SHCN?
Compassion and tolerance
How should you deliver dental care to a SHCN pt?
Gather info (dont just go straight to their mouth)
Assess
Identify risks
Preventative care instructions
Treatment plan and implementation
Make accommodations
Consult and or refer
True or false.. Down syndrome pts have very low pain thresholds
False. High pain thresholds
What is good positioning to treat SHCN pts?
Standing or sitting child in front of the adult to cradle, the head with one hand and using the other to brush
Two person knee to knee
Reclined pt on the bed or floor
Coming from behind can be really useful to brush teeth
True or false.. individuals with SHCN are at increased risk for oral disease. Yet oral health is a vital part of well-being and general health
True.. duh
Tolerance level of dental procedures depends on ___
Severity and level of function
How do you treat pts with mild SHCN? What about severe?
Mild - short appointments and immobilization and or conscious sedation
Severe - general anesthesia
When is the use of protective stabilization indicated?
Immediate diagnosis and/or limited treatment
After other behavior management techniques have failed
Safety of the patient, staff, parent or practitioner would be at risk
When is stabilization contraindicated?
Cooperative patient
Cannot be safely stabilized due to medical or physical conditions
Patients who have experience previous physical or psychological trauma from proctecive stabilization
Non-sedated pateints with non-emergent treatment requiring lengthy appointments
True or false.. you should always take the first radiograph on the first visit
False. Sometimes the second visit is better when they are familiar with the dental office and found it a friendly place
What does it mean to be a special needs dental patient?
Someone who has a limiting condition that requires health care intervention and/or use of special education servic or programs
Physical developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive or emotional
True or false… SHCN pts have increased risk for oral disase and jeaporizes overall health
True
How do you address the oral health of SHCN pts?
Education of parents/caregivers is critical for ensuring appropriate daily oral hygiene
Mechanical toothbrushes, sponge tips, washcloths
Calcium/fluoride toothpaste
Sealants
3 month recall
Chlorhexidine rinses
True or false.. you can easily tell if someone has a disability because all disabilities are visible
False
What should you know about your SHCN pt?
Evaluate and know their personal characteristics, symptoms, and behavior, and degree of physical or intellectual impairments
Involuntary movements of the limbs and head might be perceived as ____
Intelligible speech, uncontrollable jaw movements and spastic tongue erroneously assumed to be ___
Empathy and a calm friendly professional atmosphere will decrease ___
Uncooperative and unmanageable pt
Intellectually delayed
Anxiety and resistance
___ is the most desirable way to address SHCN pts. How do you do this?
Preventing oral disease
Establish a dental home
Determine risks
Discuss oral hygiene method for their situation
Assessment of __ is of primary importance in behavioral management
Parental attitudes
True or false.. it is important to obtain and document informed consent for protective stabilization
True… duhhhhhhhhh
True or false… pts who are fed internally have increased levels of calculus
True