Behavior management for dental patients with special needs

Hwang,  Ji- Young

J Korean Dent Assoc > Volume 53(11); 2015 > Article

The Journal of The Korean Dental Association 2015;53(11):779-788.
Published online November 30, 2015.

행동조절을 통한 장애인 환자 치료

황지영

서울시장애인치과병원, 대한장애인치과학회

Behavior management for dental patients with special needs

Ji- Young Hwang

Seoul dental hospital for the disabled

Abstract

Individuals with special needs include those with behavioral issues, developmental disorders, cognitive disorders, congenital or genetic disorders, or systemic disease. These conditions may place them at increased risk for oral diseases. Dental management of patients with special needs require in-depth understanding of the background of disability and available behavioral guidance theories. Therefore dental team members need more training in the theory and practice of behavior management principles, which might lead to a clinical experience that is more respectful of the dignity and independence of patients with special needs. The dental professional should be flexible to modify the behavior management approach according to the individual patients needs. Also a family/care-giver centered approach based on their preferences and concerns, the patient's challenging behaviors, and related medical problem can serve to improve the treatment planning and oral health management of dental patients with special needs. This article focuses on uncooperative behavior and behavior management, which help practicing dentists to understand their role in the care of patients with special needs.

Key Words: dental patients with special needs;behavior management;the disabled;