Learning disabilities and dentistry

Working with Caring, Listening and Supporting Partnership (CLASP), a self-advocacy group for people with learning disabilities in Wokingham Borough, Healthwatch Wokingham undertook a project to better understand feedback they had received about challenges people with learning disabilities in the borough are experiencing when visiting the dentist.  They surveyed 14 people.

Most said that their experience at the dentist was 'okay' or better than okay (84.6%), with 81.8% saying that they would return for future appointments. However, there were a few common themes within their responses about suggestions for improvement to dental services, centred around the dentist's understanding of their disabilities and the need for proper accommodations and reasonable adjustments.

Findings indicate there is an opportunity for providers to demonstrate how they recognise and understand the experiences of people with learning disabilities so that they are aware of the challenges that their patients may encounter. Offering an inclusive service involves accessible communication around the information that people are receiving about going to the dentist, such as the nature of procedures and their necessity.