Patient-support techniques for treating patients with learning disabilities

Abstract

There are many techniques that can, with simple adjustments, be used for patients with learning disabilities. A number of techniques may be familiar to dentists as those which are applied to anxious or paediatrics patients. There is a lack of focused articles clearly describing specific techniques that can be used for individuals with learning disabilities and how these can be adapted to help enable dental assessment and treatment. This article aims to inform general dental practitioners of patient-support techniques that may be used or adapted for individuals with learning disabilities. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Dental professionals should be able to make reasonable adjustments to their practice to better support individuals with learning disabilities who access dental care.