Barriers to dental care for children in Virginia with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to examine the reported use of dental services for families of children with autistic spectrum disorders and identify barriers that affect their access to dental care.

Methods: Participants were caregivers of at least 1 child with an autism spectrum disorder. Caregivers completed a questionnaire that assessed access and barriers to dental services. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to examine dental care access issues in relation to individual factors.

Results: Each respondent's household income and child's history of difficult behavior in the dental office were significantly related to the ability to receive care when needed and whether the child had a regular dental provider. An inability to find a dentist with the skills or willingness to work with people with disabilities was the most frequent reason cited for not having a regular dental provider.

Conclusions: Children with autism spectrum disorders who display difficult behavior are less likely to have a dentist for routine car, have longer intervals between dental appointments, and receive care when needed.