Using Personal Digital Assistants to improve self-care in oral health.

We conducted a pilot project to evaluate the potential of Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) technologies to improve the oral health of people with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, chronic health problems and a long-standing history of poor oral health self-care. Oral health video and audio materials were prepared and transferred to PDAs. Patients were trained in the use of the PDAs at a regular dental appointment and the utilization of the PDA and any change in oral health status was tracked over the next six months. More than half of the 36 patients reported problems in keeping the PDAs functioning properly (mainly problems of keeping the batteries charged) for the duration of the project and 11 patients dropped out of the study. Ten of the remainder (40%) achieved improvement in at least three areas of oral health. The pilot project potentially brings a range of health promotion activities within the reach of people with limited health literacy which may produce better self-management of chronic health conditions.

Dental considerations for individuals with Down syndrome.

Down syndrome is one of the most frequently encountered and easily recognizable of all developmental disabilities. Patients with Down syndrome exhibit mental retardation and often present with associated medical conditions, such as cardiac defects, immune deficiencies and musculoskeletal disorders. It is important for the dental practitioner to be familiar with the medical aspects of Down syndrome, as well as the potential behavioral issues. We present a brief review of Down syndrome for the dental provider and suggest that with a little knowledge and some patience, most private practitioners can easily accommodate these patients in their practice.