My Choice Kentucky: Making Decisions in Dental Care
Project Description:
The need for appropriate dental care for persons w/ intellectual & developmental disabilities (IDD) is well documented (Morgan et.al 2012). While the needs of a subset of this population who do not use oral speech, use AAC, or do not have a means of communication are at greater risk of health challenges in general & dental challenges specifically. Studies of school age students w/ IDD & communication needs suggest that approximately 10% of this school age population are leaving school w/out communication or AAC (Kearns, et. al 2012). People w/ IDD are often not afforded the level of self-determination that typically comes w/ adulthood, & often do not move from substitute decision-making (where others make choices for them) to independent or autonomous decision-making as they transition to adulthood. Though regarded as best practice, SDM is often conceptual in nature & there is a need to put tools in place to guide SDM processes for dental professionals working w/ patients w/ IDD.
We propose to create materials that will allow dental professionals & AAC users w/ IDD to communicate more effectively regarding decision-making for dental care. Dental care will be improved when patients: have the tools to ask questions regarding the procedure; better understand the procedure in question; why the procedure is necessary; & risks & benefits of consenting or not to treatment. The materials include- an AAC symbol set, a video explaining the procedure, supplemental materials for dental professionals explaining how to communicate w/ people who use AAC, & materials to help all users understand what SDM is & how it can be used to improve dental care.
AAC users w/ IDD will benefit by being informed & empowered during dental interactions, experiencing reduction in anxiety & enhancing oral health. Supporters will benefit by having more tools w/ which to assist the patient & the dental professional during interactions. Dental professionals will benefit by feeling more confident that the patient understands the procedure & its impact in oral health.
Team will include AAC user w/ IDD, supporters, dental professionals, & subject matter experts. Draft materials created using a consensus-based method by the team. Materials will be reviewed by focus groups- one w/ AAC users w/ IDD & one w/ supporters. Data will be analyzed & the team will make revisions. Dental professional will review the materials via a listserv & the team will make revisions based on feedback. Final revisions will be made based on feedback from a dyad method that simulates a dental encounter.
HDI has projects that focus on SDM & AAC & are excited for this opportunity to combine this work. UKD will bring tremendous expertise to the project & provide unique outlets for dissemination of the final product(s). Based on work HDI did on a previous WITH grant, it is believed that this team & these methods will provide the most cost effective & comprehensive approach to address the issue at hand.
Keyword(s):
dental, supported decision-making, AAC
Core Function(s):
Developing & Disseminating Information
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State, National
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
