Prévoir des examens dentaires réussis pour les enfants avec un diagnostic de trouble du spectre de l'autisme dans le cadre d'un programme de désensibilisation dentaire

Aperçu: G.M.

Les auteurs ont effectué un examen rétrospectif des données comportementales cliniques et des questionnaires prévus pour 168 enfants avec un diagnostic de TSA qui ont participé à un programme de désensibilisation dentaire universitaire.

Le résultat principal était un examen de seuil minimal (MTE) alors que les patients était assis dans une chaise dentaire.

La désensibilisation a été efficace pour obtenir un MTE pour la plupart des enfants. Ceux ayant des caractéristiques cohérentes avec une présentation plus légère du TSA étaient plus susceptibles de réussir. 

J Am Dent Assoc. 2017 Apr 19. pii: S0002-8177(17)30275-1. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2017.03.015.

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

Nelson T, Chim A, Sheller BL, McKinney CM, Scott JM.

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.

Copyright © 2017 American Dental Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

PMID: 28433195

DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2017.03.015