This program is an introduction to special care dentistry and essential consideration to maintain safety when providing care to dental patients with special needs. Topics include a broad overview of individuals who present with special needs, medical consultation, systemic health and common co-morbidities, and assessment of current health status. Risk reduction strategies to improve safety include medical consultation and collaboration, drug compatibility, fall hazards, communication, equipment and facilities, and anticipating medical emergencies. Tips for staff training and skills and communication are shared.
Participants will be able to:
Individuals with special needs often present with complex medical conditions. This presentation will discuss important medical conditions frequently observed in individuals with special needs that may require treatment modifications. The discussion will include important information to include when requesting a medical consultation and resources that are helpful to aid the dental professional’s understanding of the management of medical conditions.
Participants will be able to:
This discussion will provide practical considerations for providing dental care to a patient with Alzheimer’s Disease. Tips for scheduling and communication will be discussed. Suggestions for treatment modifications to facilitate cooperation and successful care delivery will be shared.
The participant will be able to:
This discussion will review how to look for visual cues and changes in vital signs that can be used to assess the current physical and emotional health of the patient with special needs. Recording vital signs is an essential component of managing a dental patient with special needs, as these individuals often present with complex medical histories and/or may not be able to clearly communicate when they are in distress.
The participant will be able to:
This discussion will provide practical information about how to communicate well with individuals with special needs. Strategies for setting behavioral expectations, including the use of positive reinforcement and encouragement will be discussed. Practical tips for knowing how to read the situation and the patient’s reaction will be shared, with an emphasis on maintaining patient respect, cooperation and safety. Assessing patient safety is a critical element to managing patients with special needs who are at high risk for medical emergencies.
The participant will be able to:
This discussion will focus on treating individuals with special needs with kindness, respect and compassion. Emphasis will be placed on helping dental professionals learn how to read challenging practice situations without judging the patient or themselves. Listeners will learn about how to connect with others through empathy. The joys and personal rewards of working with individuals with special needs will be highlighted.
The participant will be able to:
The decision to use sedation to provide dental care to patients with special needs is based on a variety of factors that vary with the individual. The amount and complexity of required dental work are important variables, as are behavioral and financial considerations. This program will review how to determine when sedation is indicated, associated advantages and disadvantages, and different levels of sedation that can be used in the dental setting.
The participant will be able to:
This discussion will describe the necessary equipment and facilities required to safely and appropriately treat people with special needs. In addition, strategies to address financial challenges and barriers will be discussed.
Participants will be able to: