[Practical guidelines for promoting oral health in people with a disability].

Abstract

People with a cognitive impairment or a developmental disorder often have poorer oral health than the general population due to factors such as inadequate oral hygiene, untreated caries and periodontal issues. Primary oral healthcare providers play an important role in improving the oral health of people with a disability. They can provide continuity of care, ranging from prevention and monitoring to restorative treatment and, if necessary, referral to specialized care. However, people with a disability often face barriers accessing primary care, partly due to a lack of knowledge and skills among oral healthcare providers. On the basis of 6 studies, various aspects of oral healthcare for people with a disability were analysed. The findings of these analyses can help primary oral healthcare providers expand their knowledge; they also offer practical guidelines for better oral healthcare for people with a disability. This article is an adaptation of the dissertation of the same name.