Predicting successful dental examinations for children with autism spectrum disorder in the context of a dental desensitization program

• Published in: The Journal of the American Dental Association (1939) Vol. 148; no. 7; pp. 485 - 492
• Main Authors: Nelson, Travis, DDS, MSD, MPH, Chim, Amelia, DDS, MSD, Sheller, Barbara L., DDS, MSD, McKinney, Christy M., PhD, MPH, Scott, JoAnna M., PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Inc 01.07.2017; American Dental Association
• Subjects: Adolescent; Autism; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autistic disorder; Child; Child, Preschool; Children; Children & youth; Demographics; Dental care; Dental Care for Children - methods; Dental Care for Disabled - methods; Dental health; Dentistry; Desensitization; Desensitization, Psychologic - methods; Female; Human communication; Humans; Male; oral health; pediatric dentistry; Retrospective Studies; special-care dentistry; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome; ASD; Autistic disorder; pediatric dentistry; special-care dentistry; oral health; Behavior guidance technique; Autism spectrum disorder; BGT; MTE; Minimal threshold examination
• ISSN: 0002-8177; 1943-4723
• DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2017.03.015

Abstract Background The authors evaluated the effectiveness of a dental desensitization program for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and determined characteristics associated with a successful dental examination. Methods The authors performed a retrospective review of clinical behavioral data and previsit questionnaires for 168 children with ASD who attended a university-based dental desensitization program. Data elements included demographic, treatment, and behavioral characteristics. The primary outcome was receiving a minimal threshold examination (MTE) while seated in a dental chair. Results An MTE was achieved for 77.4% of all children within 1 to 2 visits and 87.5% in 5 visits or less. Several factors predicted a successful dental examination: ability to be involved in group activities (relative risk [RR], 1.18; P  = .02), ability to communicate verbally (RR, 1.17; P  < .01), understanding of most language (RR, 1.14; P  = .02), moderate versus severe caregiver-rated ASD severity (RR, 1.24; P  = .04), and ability to dress self (RR, 1.27; P  = .04). Conclusions Desensitization was effective in achieving an MTE for most children. Those with characteristics consistent of a milder presentation of ASD were more likely to be successful. Practical Implications Desensitization can be a successful approach to providing dental care for children with ASD.