21 - Sensory history and its role in patient and provider experience in a dental setting

Abstract: Authors: Serena Simone DDS1; Marcie Rubin DrPH, MPH, MHA2; and Aaron Myers DDS, MPH 2 (1. MPH Candidate, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University; 2. College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University)

Purpose/

Objective: Children with special healthcare needs experience sensory sensitivity disorders which can impact their oral health experiences during a dental visit – often a sensory-aggressive environment. Providing caregivers with a sensory intake form (SIF) prior to visits aims to reduce or avoid challenging behaviors and triggers by allowing providers to tailor their patients’ experience and have potential to reduce barriers to access to care.

Methods: All pediatric patients with a New Comprehensive or Recall visit at Columbia University’s community dental clinic for children (CU-Peds) are included in this study. Upon arrival, a survey and SIF is completed by caregivers and reviewed by the dental provider/resident. Analysis of caregiver and provider use of the SIF will be conducted, including patient behavior assessment and experience and provider usability.

Results: A post-assessment survey will further analyze patients’ behavior and overall experiences at their visit and providers’ assessment of their ability to use the information from the SIF to tailor the environment and impact patient experience.

Conclusions: This study pilots an approach to improve the dental patient and caregiver experience, as well as the provider's ability to provide patient-centered care. The pre-visit use of a SIF has the potential to reduce barriers to care for all children, especially those with sensory sensitivities and special health care needs.

Source of Funding: Source of

Funding: Columbia University, College of Dental Medicine. This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number D88HP37554 “Postdoctoral Training in General, Pediatric, and Public Health Dentistry and Dental Hygiene” for the amount of $3,286,676. None of this endeavor is financed by nongovernmental sources. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.