DENTAL TREATMENT EXPERIENCE AND BARRIERS TO DENTAL CARE OF CHILDREN WITH AUSTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER : CAREGIVERS AND ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Aims: To determine barriers to dental care for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Singapore by seeking the opinion of their parents and of occupational therapists working with these children. Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussion were conducted with 14 parents of children with ASD aged 7-12 years and 7 occupational therapists treating children with ASD in Singapore. Results: Themes included - Children with ASD in this study used toothpaste with non-optimal fluoride levels. Barriers to accessing dental care were due to parental attitudes and awareness, lack of information and cost of multiple acclimatisation visits. Occupational therapists can identify oral neglect, facilitate oral hygiene maintenance and enable dental referrals. Conclusion: These findings identify challenges faced by children with ASD and their families in Singapore and ways to facilitate better dental care. This study underlines collaboration of occupational therapists and dentists in dental care for these children.