A literature review on techniques of treating people with autism spectrum disorder during dental procedures

Abstract

It was noted that parents frequently avoid taking their child with autism spectrum disorder {ASD) for routine examinations, because of the children's fear of dental procedures, or difficulties in locating a practitioner willing to provide care, or specialized to treat such individuals. The aim of this paper is to recognize obstacles that patients with ASD and their caregivers incounter in getting dental care, as well as to present different techniques that can be used in dental setting in order to help people with ASD overcome those obstacles. The Serbian Library Consortium for Coordinated Acquisition-KoBSON, as well as Google Scholar Advanced Search were used when reviewing the literature. By reviewing the literature, the main obstacles were stated to be individual characteristics of people with ASD and lack of dental staff training in treating people with ASD. Tecniques that can be used to improve dental care of patients with ASD are minimized sensory stimulation, short visits to the dental clinic and minimized wait time, several rehearsals in a mock environment, as well as working with the same dentist. Behavioural strategies can also be used, electronic screen, visual supports, or Picture Exchange Communication System. If all of the above does not give results, dental treatment can be provided under general anesthesia or physical restraint. In conclusion, we give recomendations for University school of dentistry to involve treating people with ASD in their practical aspects of studies, as well as educate prospecting students in using some of the stated techniques.