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Special Health Care Needs
A Project To Facilitate Dental Care For Individuals With Disabilities
Nellie P. Gannon, DMD
Pediatric Dental Resident
Boston University, Boston, MA
Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Christine Chiao, MPH, DMD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Boston University, Boston, MA
Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Keri Discepolo, DDS, MPH
Program Director, Pediatric Dentistry
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine if initial telehealth visits prior to the first dental appointment is beneficial in treating individuals with disabilities by reducing barriers to care. The telehealth appointment will obtain medical, dental, and social histories, information about the patients and caregivers, physical barriers, and the ability to tolerate treatment.
Methods: This is a prospective, single group pilot intervention. A telehealth appointment will be completed within one week prior to the first visit. Subjects include individuals with special healthcare needs aged 6 and older and their caregivers. Patients who meet these criteria will be scheduled for a comprehensive or periodic examination, and the goal is to have 40 subjects.
Providers will receive training on scripted interviews and evaluations for one month. Caregivers will be contacted one week before the visit and asked to participate. Medical and dental history and barriers to care will be identified and utilized in planning the first visit. Within one week of the appointment, caregivers and providers will be asked to complete a phone survey. Results will be analyzed and changes will be made as needed. Interviews will be recorded and will remain HIPAA compliant. This will determine if pre-appointment telehealth visits enhance success and decrease barriers to care.
Results: Results are pending.
Conclusion: Results are pending. After interviews and surveys are completed, it will be determined if telehealth visits prior to the initial dental visit benefit patients and reduce barriers to care.