Oral Health in the Down Syndrome Population: Parental Perceptions on Dental Care in the United States.

Purpose: To assess the oral health status of children with Down syndrome (DS) in the United States and evaluate the oral health needs of families with DS. Methods: Among 320 parents who consented to participate, 260 (81.2 percent) surveys were completed. A survey was distributed through the National Down Syndrome Society to parents of children with DS up to age 21 years, which asked questions about children's general and oral health. Results: Parents who reported that their children had difficulty rinsing and spitting were more likely to report their child's overall general health as poor (P<0.05). Parents' frequency of daily toothbrushing was similar to their children's toothbrushing habits (P<0.05). Conclusions: Dysphagia for children with Down syndrome may negatively impact oral health in addition to general health. Encouraging parental involvement in oral care for children with DS may lower their risk for oral disease. Continued support is needed to ensure dental school education includes training for the treatment and management of patients with DS.

Compliance of Special Health Care Needs and Healthy Pediatric Patients with Preventive Visits after Dental Treatment under General Anesthesia.

Purpose: To identify compliance of special health care needs and healthy pediatric patients with preventive dental appointments after treatment under general anesthesia (GA).
Methods: Records of special health care needs (SHCN) patients treated under GA in 2015 and 2016 were reviewed. The control group consisted of randomly selected healthy patients also treated under GA in the same time period and hospital. Patient demographics were compared, and the number of preventive visits was recorded for 24 months after GA.
Results: The sample consisted of 141 SHCN patients and 142 healthy children. The average number of preventive visits post-GA appointment was 2.74 out of a recommended nine visits over two years for the study population. There was a statistically significant difference in the level of compliance based on age and referral source, but there was no difference based on health status.
Conclusion: Compliance with preventive dental visits after treatment under GA among all pediatric patients, regardless of health status, must be improved. Caregivers must be further educated to implement change and barriers to care must be explored.