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Safety in special smiles
Schuster, Chantel Williams, Jenn Dooms, Alyssa Wilson, Lexi
Schuster, Chantel
Williams, Jenn
Dooms, Alyssa
Wilson, Lexi
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2024-04-12
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Citation
Schuster, Chantel; Williams, Jenn; Dooms, Alyssa; Wilson, Lexi. 2024. Safety in special smiles. -- In Proceedings: 23rd Annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum. Wichita, KS: Wichita State University, p. 28.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper shows the need for oral hygiene education among children with developmental disabilities, particularly focusing on the children of Sedgwick County, Kansas. Resources provided through the U.S. Census Bureau and local health departments allowed evidence and research to contribute to the prevalence of decay in Sedgwick County. The lack of adequate oral health resources in the community highlights the prevalence of untreated decay. Children with developmental disabilities are at a higher risk because of lack of understanding and resources (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2013). This paper aims to inform and address oral health disparities and solutions to embed them into the community.
Methods
This project was conducted to target children with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. A scholarly article search interpreted local census reports from Sedgwick County, Kansas, found data concerning the prevalence of childhood caries and proper oral health in those with developmental disabilities. The method of delivery included a slides presentation delivered in person at Rainbows United in Wichita, Kansas. This presentation was given in small groups to the children and their caregivers. The presentation included a demonstration given to the children on proper brushing technique to test their increased understanding.
Results
The National Library of Medicine, showed the results of fostering oral hygiene in children with developmental disabilities had successful results compared to those that didn’t have OHI. These studies showed that lower socioeconomic status has a higher prevalence rate. By educating the targeted population we provided beneficial information that assisted the population to be able to improve their oral hygiene.
Implications
It is important to ensure that children with developmental disabilities have access to education and resources to prevent dental diseases. Instilling an oral hygiene routine in these children at a young age can help build healthy oral habits and proactively prevent oral diseases. By enhancing awareness about essential resources and promoting oral health education, it establishes a positive dental environment for children with developmental disabilities (DHHS, 2021) . In the future we can make oral health more accessible by adapting oral hygiene instructions and incorporating more inclusive oral hygiene aids for these patients.
Table of Contents
Description
Presented to the 23rd Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum (URCAF) held at the Rhatigan Student Center, Wichita State University, April 12, 2024.
Publisher
Wichita State University
Journal
Book Title
Series
URCAF;v.23