Leah I Stein Duker1, Lucía I Floríndez2, Dominique H Como3, Christine F Tran4, Benjamin F Henwood5, José C Polido6, Sharon A Cermak7. 1. Dr. Stein Duker is an assistant professor of Research, Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif., USA;, Email: lstein@chan.usc.edu. 2. Ms. Florindez is a PhD candidate, Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif., USA. 3. Ms. Como is a PhD candidate, Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif., USA. 4. Dr. Tran is an occupational therapist at Dynamic Therapies, Inc., Arcadia, Calif., USA. 5. Dr. Henwood is an associate professor, School of Social Work, at the University of Southern California. 6. Dr. Polido is a division head of Dentistry, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and an assistant professor of Clinical Dentistry, Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Calif., USA. 7. Dr. Cermak is professor, all in the Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif., USA.
Abstract
Purpose: Oral health is important to physical and psychological health. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience significant oral care challenges, but little research exists that examines efficacious interventions to improve care. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore parental and dentist reports of successful strategies implemented during dental care with children with ASD. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with parents of children with ASD (N = two groups) and dentists treating children with ASD (N = two groups). Focus group transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: Three key themes were identified from the parent focus groups: (1) what makes a good dentist; (2) flexibility and techniques-strategies used by the dentist; and (3) preparation-strategies for parents and caregivers of children with ASD. Four themes emerged from the dentist groups: (1) parents know best; (2) practice; (3) flexibility; and (4) a network of colleagues. Areas of overlap between the parents and dental providers included the importance of preparation, necessity of flexibility and creativity, and value of collaboration. Conclusions: Our findings provide insight into techniques perceived by parents and dental providers to facilitate successful dental encounters for children with ASD.
Purpose: Oral health is important to physical and psychological health. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience significant oral care challenges, but little research exists that examines efficacious interventions to improve care. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore parental and dentist reports of successful strategies implemented during dental care with children with ASD. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with parents of children with ASD (N = two groups) and dentists treating children with ASD (N = two groups). Focus group transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: Three key themes were identified from the parent focus groups: (1) what makes a good dentist; (2) flexibility and techniques-strategies used by the dentist; and (3) preparation-strategies for parents and caregivers of children with ASD. Four themes emerged from the dentist groups: (1) parents know best; (2) practice; (3) flexibility; and (4) a network of colleagues. Areas of overlap between the parents and dental providers included the importance of preparation, necessity of flexibility and creativity, and value of collaboration. Conclusions: Our findings provide insight into techniques perceived by parents and dental providers to facilitate successful dental encounters for children with ASD.
Authors: Dominique H Como; Lucía I Floríndez; Christine F Tran; Sharon A Cermak; Leah I Stein Duker Journal: Nurs Health Sci Date: 2019-06-25 Impact factor: 1.857
Authors: Hollis Haotian Chai; Sherry Shiqian Gao; Kitty Jieyi Chen; Duangporn Duangthip; Edward Chin Man Lo; Chun Hung Chu Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-01-22 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Lucía I Floríndez; Daniella C Floríndez; Mia E Price; Francesca M Floríndez; Dominique H Como; Jose C Polido; Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati; Elizabeth Pyatak; Sharon A Cermak Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-04-03 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Dominique H Como; Leah I Stein Duker; José C Polido; Sharon A Cermak Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-12-27 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Leah I Stein Duker; Mollianne Grager; Willa Giffin; Natasha Hikita; José C Polido Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-02-18 Impact factor: 3.390