If you have disability, accessing regular dental care can be challenging. However, it is a misconception that persons with a disability need to be seen at specialized clinics.
While the University of Alberta Hospital Dental Clinic and the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Dental Clinic are specifically designed to accommodate persons with disabilities, other regular care can be obtained at local dental clinics.
"The oral care needs of people with disabilities are similar to anyone else," says clinical dental professor and director of the postgraduate residency program William Preshing. "They can even be treated while sitting in a wheelchair."
Preshing says the dentistry program at the School of Dentistry stresses and teaches students how to best handle individuals with special needs. Patients with special needs can include dexterity problems, physical disabilities or health issues.
"A big part of our mission here at the U of A is to look after people with medical or behavioural challenges that would prevent them from getting care elsewhere in the community," says Preshing. "What we're trying to see and show our students is that a lot of patients can be seen in their clinics. While it can be challenging, it can also be fun. There are often interesting and surprising problems to solve."
Caregivers can make simple adaptations to brushing routines and oral care for persons with disabilities. These include:
- Use an elastic band to attach the brush to the person's hand
- A toothbrush handle can be enlarged with a sponge, rubber ball or bicycle hand grip
- The toothbrush handle can be lengthened using a piece of wood or ruler
- Use an electric toothbrush