Ajman, United Arab Emirates: A study by researchers in Iraq and the United Arab Emirates found that dentists working in those countries felt ill-equipped to provide optimal oral care for patients with disabilities. It turns out that there is Reasons include clinician anxiety and lack of adequate treatment time and training. Researchers say targeted educational opportunities are needed to improve clinicians’ confidence and ability to treat patients with disabilities.
A cross-sectional survey of a sample of 150 dentists in Ajman aimed to explore the competence of clinicians in treating patients with disabilities and the factors that influence their perceived competence in providing care completed.
The majority of respondents (75.3%) had 1 to 5 years of clinical experience, and 46.7% of the sample group said they had minimal experience treating patients with disabilities. Only 2% said they had significant experience in treating patients with disabilities. The lead author of the study, Dr. Ahrasalah, who teaches pediatric dentistry and psychology and behavioral sciences to dental students at Ajman University, said older dentists in the sample group also lacked confidence and experience in treating patients. Dental he confirmed with Tribune International (DTI). have a disability.
Nearly three-quarters (73.3%) of respondents said they would try to treat patients with disabilities, but would refer them to another clinician if treatment became too difficult. One-fifth of respondents said they would not provide treatment and would instead refer the patient to a specialist. When asked about their comfort level in providing care by clinicians, 45.3% of respondents gave a neutral answer, 32.7% answered positively, and 14.7% negatively. A very positive or very negative response was given by 4.7% and 2.0% of respondents, respectively.
Many respondents (44.0%) felt that they were not able to provide ideal oral care to patients with disabilities, and 35.5% of respondents were concerned about the time required for treatment. Of those surveyed, 38.0% expressed concern about their ability to interact with patients, and concerns about treatments causing injury to patients or treating dentists were expressed by 34.7% and 30.7%, respectively.
The authors concluded that “participating dentists have limited treatment options for this population due to inadequate time and training, limited ability to communicate with patients, patient We rely on being constantly aware of the situation as to how to avoid unintended damage to our customers.” Clinical staff may be injured. ”
Dr Salah told DTI: In particular, I personally find training on how best to treat patients on the autism spectrum to be extremely valuable. ”
A study titled “Dentists’ Attitudes toward Dental Care of Patients with Disabilities” Advances in medical education and practice December 14, 2022.
Editorial note:
In this study, the term “disorder” refers to any physical or mental condition that affects the patient’s ability to function in a manner considered normal or that physically limits the patient or prevents the patient from performing an activity. Used to represent state.
