Inclusive Dentistry? Mapping the Landscape of Autism and Dentistry Research through Bibliometric Analysis.
Dental visits for kids with ASD fail because staff lack autism training, not because of the kids.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Vitali and her team read 137 papers about autism and dental care. They also talked to parents and dentists.
They asked one question: what makes dental visits hard for kids with ASD?
What they found
Most visits fail because staff do not know autism. Offices also give parents little help before the day.
The kids are not the problem. The system is.
How this fits with other research
Shawler et al. (2021) asked 142 moms and found the same roadblocks: cost and scared dentists.
McMullen et al. (2017) showed one boy who got ABA desensitization and now sits through cleanings for three years. Vitali says every office needs that training.
Weng et al. (2011) counted kids with disabilities in Taiwan. Fewer than a large share ever got fluoride. All three papers paint the same picture: dental care for autistic kids is broken everywhere.
Why it matters
You can fix this in your own town. Ask the dentist to let you run a short desensitization plan. Bring visuals, timers, and rewards. Offer to train the staff for free. One cooperative patient today can open the door for many kids tomorrow.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
In this qualitative study, we aimed to explore the challenges of providing services and supports for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families from the perceptions of professionals and parents of children with ASD. We classified the results of the study into three key categories including shortcomings in the management of children with ASD; shortcomings of supportive programs and facilities for children with ASD and their families; and organizational challenges in providing services for these children. We analyzed data using the content analysis method. The results showed that there is a wide range of challenges in providing sufficient and high-quality services for children with ASD and empowerment programs for their parents.
Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 2025 · doi:10.1007/s10803-019-04256-x