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Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Dental Care for Adolescents with Special Health Care Needs: Dentist Perspectives--Part Two.

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to understand dental care transitions for adolescents with special health care needs (ASHCNs) from the dentist perspective. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 dentists (seven pediatric dentists and six general dentists) to learn about the dental transition process for ASHCNs. RESULTS: Most dentists believed transitions from child-centered to adult-centered dental care were important for ASHCNs. Dentists reported two main barriers to transitions: (1) low dental reimbursements by Medicaid; and (2) a shortage of general dentists qualified or willing to treat ASHCNs. Pediatric and general dentists reported playing complimentary roles in facilitating transitions for ASHCNs and their families. CONCLUSIONS: Dentists acknowledged the challenges that adolescents with special health care needs and their families face in transitioning to adult-centered care and believed in the importance of ASHCNs maintaining a dental home. Pediatric dentists and general dentists play a key role in working together to implement dental transition plans for ASHCNs and to ensure successful dental transitions.

Source: PubMed

Authors: Zoljargal Bayarsaikhan, Stephanie Cruz, John Neff, Donald L Chi

Institution: University of Washington

Language: English

Topic: Adolescent and Pediatric Healthcare

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Award: Addressing Oral Health Disparities in Medicaid-Enrolled Special Needs Children wi