Date Presented 03/23/24
Oral health is essential to overall health, but children with Down syndrome experience poor oral health. Findings from caregiver interviews reveal the barriers to and facilitators of oral health care for this population.
Primary Author and Speaker: Sharon A. Cermak
Contributing Authors: Elizabeth Isralowitz, Marinthea Richter, Leah I. Stein Duker
PURPOSE: Children with Down syndrome (cDS) frequently have poor oral health & parents report difficulty accessing care. This study examined parental experiences & views on barriers and supports to dental care for DS.
METHOD: As part of a qualitative study, we conducted semi-structured individual or small-group interviews with 14 parents of cDS 6-12 years, recruited via convenience sampling. Interviews lasted ∼50 minutes, were transcribed verbatim, & analyzed using descriptive & thematic techniques.
RESULTS: Five themes emerged. Parents highlighted difficulty accessing dental care due to inadequate resources, guidance, and referrals. Family/child-centered care strategies (e.g. rapport, flexibility) were noted as significant supports. Use and outcome of dental techniques included restrictive methods (e.g. sedation, restraint) that parents believed were over-prescribed vs positive perceptions of universal design supports and preventive care. Characteristics of the oral care team described the role of the dentist and other team members, including parents and therapists. This theme also included the supportive role of family members and a lack of professional support for home oral care routines. The final theme, DS/child-specific qualities that assist/hinder treatment, examined the impact of the child’s physical, cognitive, social, and behavioral challenges and strengths on oral care.
CONCLUSION: While parents valued participation in oral care routines in the home & dental office, many felt disempowered by a lack of access, resources, & restrictive dental methods. Understanding barriers & supports to care are essential to inform the design of new methods to better serve cDS.
IMPACT: Oral care routines are essential activities of daily life & OTs should support parents to optimize oral care participation in home and office settings. OTs can be key players in oral care, establishing collaborations to examine ways to improve the dental experience for this population.
References
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Stein Duker, L.I. ,Richter, M., Lane, C.J. ,Polido, J.C., & Cermak, S.A. (2020). Oral care experiences and challenges for children with Down syndrome: Reports from caregivers. Pediatric Dentistry,42(6), 430–435. https://europepmc.org/article/med/33369553
