180 - Analyzing the efficacy of dental desensitization appointments for patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Purpose: The primary goal of this study was to analyze the efficacy of desensitization appointments of a dental desensitization program for patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at a community health center. A secondary goal was to find variables that predict the success of desensitization.

Methods: The study is a chart review, longitudinal survey that was administered from August-November 2024. Seven parents of children diagnosed with ASD, aged 4-16 years old, with at least a 2-month period of continued desensitization programs, and no history of papoose treatment, were given a 25-item survey. A 3-month follow-up survey was given to track progress in desensitization visits. Quantitative descriptive and qualitative statistical analysis was completed.

Results: Seven participants were enrolled and four completed the 3-month follow-up survey. All children were diagnosed with Level 3 ASD (Severe). Overall, 75% of the parents reported that the dental desensitization program had been extremely helpful at increasing their child’s comfort level in the dental office and had aided their children in developing new skills, such as using a mouth mirror and sitting on the dental chair.

Conclusion: After analyzing parental survey responses, all patients in the study experienced a successful result during desensitization. Specific predictive variables were not isolated. Due to the study having limited participants, this is considered a pilot study with quantitative descriptive and qualitative results, without statistical significance and generalizability. Overall, most parents reported that desensitization had been ‘very helpful’ or ‘extremely helpful’ for their child in all categories except using the suction device.