In Case You Missed It: Enhancing Care for Individuals with Disabilities in Dentistry

A recent webinar by Jeanette Diaz, RDH, titled "The Value of Being Seen: Elevating Care for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities," provided an in-depth look into the unique challenges and necessary adaptations when providing dental care for individuals with developmental disabilities. Here’s a concise summary capturing the essence of the webinar and highlighting key takeaways to aid in improving dental care practices.

Webinar Overview

Jeanette Diaz shared her knowledge as both a clinician and educator, focusing on improving patient care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She covered essential information about the prevalence of developmental disabilities, the barriers to effective healthcare, and practical strategies for enhancing care.

Key Highlights

1. Understanding Developmental Disabilities: Jeanette explained how developmental disabilities encompass a wide range of conditions. She noted, “Developmental disabilities usually occur before birth, shortly after birth, or sometime during the developmental period, which can be anywhere up to 18 to 21 years of age.” She emphasized the importance of recognizing the diverse presentations and impacts these conditions can have on cognitive and adaptive functions.
2. Importance of a Supportive Environment: The webinar introduced the concept of adapting environments to reduce barriers for individuals with disabilities. Jeanette encouraged dental professionals to focus on modifying the environment rather than trying to “fix” the person, stating, “The social model of disability invites us to be a little more inclusive of individuals regardless of their abilities.”
3. Effective Communication and Practice Adaptations: Jeanette highlighted the significance of using person-first and respectful language. She encouraged techniques such as tell-show-feel-do and sensory adaptations in dental practice, underscoring, “[Communication] is a critical component when we work with patients of all abilities, but it's especially important that we consider both verbal and nonverbal communication when we work with individuals with developmental disabilities.”

To explore these topics more thoroughly and gain further understanding and tips for improving dental care for individuals with developmental disabilities, watch the full webinar on VOCOLearning.com. Empower yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to provide equitable, effective care for all patients.