Access to dental care for persons with disabilities in Saudi Arabia (Caregivers' perspective)

Abstract

Aim:To determine if persons with disabilities encounter difficulties in accessing dental care and to identify barriers to dental care for such individuals in Saudi Arabia from the perspective of their caregivers. Study population and methods: The data for the study were obtained through a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 250 caregivers. Of these, 119 questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 47.6%. Results: 84.7% of persons with disabilities saw a dentist only for an emergency, and 46.2% reported having difficulty in obtaining dental care in their community. Oral hygiene practices of those with disabilities, the frequency of visits to the dentist for check-ups, as well as the likelihood of having had contact with a dentist during the preceding year were significantly influenced by the caregivers’ level of education. However, the frequency of tooth brushing as well as the method of cleaning the teeth of those with disabilities were not influenced by the caregivers’ level of education. Fear of the dentist (52.1%), cost (48.7%), being unable to sit in the dental chair (28.2%), transportation difficulties (26.9%), distance to the dental clinic (18.5%), and the dentist’s unwillingness to treat those with disabilities (16.8%) were all barriers to dental care for individuals with disabilities. Conclusion: Half of the caregivers of those with disabilities reported that they had difficulty accessing dental care, and 85% of persons with disability saw the dentist for emergency treatment only. Fear of dentists