Challenges Impacting Delaware Dental Professionals’ Capacity to Care for Patients with Disabilities

• Bhavini Shah, Medical Diagnostics, University of Delaware

• Victor Perez, Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of Delaware

According to Delaware Health and Social Services, nearly one in six Delaware residents has a disability. Many individuals with special needs face significant challenges in finding dental providers who can meet their distinct care requirements. This study explored the factors influencing dental professionals’ perceptions of their capacity to treat patients with disabilities. Interviews with dentists and dental hygienists in Delaware were conducted virtually and recorded. Each interview was transcribed and the collection of interviews was analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis techniques. Findings revealed that many professionals experience low confidence and limited exposure to treating this population, stemming from inadequate education and training. Additional barriers include limited accessibility, time constraints, insufficient accommodations, and inadequate insurance coverage. The wide spectrum of disabilities further complicates the issue by limiting the preparedness of providers. Many dentists indicated that a general practice residency is crucial for receiving first hand experience required to treat patients with special needs. Both interview data and public secondary sources indicate a pressing need for improvement in special needs dental care. Overall, expanding education, mentorship, and hands-on clinical experience is essential to enhance provider competence and patient access. These can be achieved by integrating more hands-on training in dental school, requiring continuing education, improving Medicaid reimbursement, and creating special needs clinic days in dental school.