184 - Special Needs Patients and Perceived Barriers to Care

Purpose: Access to dental care for special needs patients remains a significant challenge within pediatric dentistry, often hindered by multiple systemic and interpersonal barriers. This study explores the perspectives of current board-certified and board-eligible pediatric dentists regarding these barriers, contrasting access to care for special needs patients with that of the non-special needs population.  

Methods: The study anonymously surveyed board certified and board eligible pediatric dentists with active AAPD membership to determine what is perceived as the greatest barrier to care for special needs patients. Data was collected via email, through electronic copies of a questionnaire, distributed from April 2024 to December 2024.  

Results: The survey data collected shows that most respondents work in private practice and see around 6 to 10 special needs patients each month. Key barriers identified include limited resources and challenges with non-compliant parents and caregivers, both of which hinder the delivery of optimal dental care. 

Conclusion: Despite the challenges faced, a significant number of participants expressed a strong interest in expanding their patient base to include individuals with special needs, as long as these barriers can be effectively addressed. These findings emphasize the necessity for targeted interventions and allocation of resources to improve the accessibility and quality of dental care for this underserved population. 


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