(PO-068) A Novel Approach to Special Needs Continuing Education

Author: Kim Attanasi, Ph.D. – Clinical Associate Professor, NYU College of Dentistry
Author: Andrea L. Beall, D.D.S. – Clinical Assistant Professor, NYU College of Dentistry
Author: Phillip Buccigrossi, Jr., D.M.D. – Clinical Instructor, NYU College of Dentistry
Submitter: Kim Attanasi, Ph.D. – Clinical Associate Professor, NYU College of Dentistry

Objectives: Many oral health professionals believe that they do not have enough knowledge, experience, or confidence in working with patients with special needs. However, nearly one-fifth of all Americans, more than 54 million men, women, and children, have a disability and are considered special needs patients. Some patients have medical, physical, or cognitive conditions that require treatment modifications. As there is an increased need for the healthcare of people with disabilities, dental professionals require up-to-date education to meet specific needs in dental settings and at home. This new continuing education (CE) program aimed to increase the dental and dental hygiene student's and practicing professional's knowledge base on providing oral health services for people with disabilities and special needs.

Methods: This course described disabilities commonly present among the patient population, incorporated strategies for successful patient visits, provided tips for caregivers on effective home care, and discussed how collaborative care could improve overall health outcomes. This course was designed with a user-friendly approach to improve participant knowledge and confidence in working with patients with disabilities. Course structure included three online modules: interactive animations, knowledge-checks, quizzes, and online discussions with peer live synchronous sessions with subject matter experts.

Results: Participant feedback included: “informative, engaging, ingenious, interactive, information can be put immediately into practice, enjoyed the interaction with other participants, and live sessions reinforce knowledge.” Additionally, all learner participants scored a passing grade on their online knowledge-checks indicating subject matter competence.

Conclusion: By receiving these educational modules, dental and dental hygiene students, faculty, and practicing professionals felt more informed, comfortable in caring for these patients, and ultimately more likely to provide this care in the community for patients with special needs.