Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
December 2009
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Vol:
10
Issue:
4

Parental perceptions of oral health and access to oral health care services for children with special educational needs in South Bedfordshire

Abstract Aim: To investigate the perceptions of oral health and barriers to care of parents of children with special educational needs in South Bedfordshire. Objectives: To undertake a questionnaire study of parents of children in primary and secondary schools in South Bedfordshire in order to investigate parental perception of oral health of their children; analyse the key factors that act as barriers to care and relate the parental oral health perceptions to their views on access to care. Design: A qualitative, semi-structured questionnaire was devised with the main themes related to perceived oral health and access to oral health care services. There were 21 closed and open-ended questions with the opportunity for additional comments. The questionnaire was answered anonymously. Results: 451 questionnaires were distributed with 212 returned (47%). Parental perception underestimated the level of oral health and there was a reported lack of oral health education provided by the dental profession. Although the majority of children with special educational needs attended a dentist, parents were more likely to experience difficulties accessing oral health care services. Conclusions: The level of oral health of children with special educational needs in South Bedfordshire is underestimated by parents. The Disability Discrimination Act (2005) aims to reduce inequalities but parents still experience barriers when accessing oral health care services.

Key words: Perceptions of oral health, special education needs, access to dental care

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£
Page Start
156
Page End
160
Authors
Yee Lee, Chris Dickinson, Meg Skelly

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  1. An audit of a protocol for the management of patients with hereditary bleeding disorders undergoing dental treatment
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  1. Frequency and distribution of gingival bleeding in a population of para-athletes competing at the III Para-Pan-American Games in Rio de Janeiro 2007
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  1. The knowledge and attitudes of North Wales healthcare professionals to bisphosphonate associated osteochemonecrosis of the jaws
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  1. BSDH Guidelines
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  1. Reviewers
  2. 195
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  1. Diary Dates 2010
  2. 196
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