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Special Health Care Needs

119 - Survey of Alabama Dentists: Practices and Perspectives on Special Needs

Friday, May 22, 2026
1:40 PM - 1:55 PM PST
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • MG

    Megan E. Gant, DMD (she/her/hers)

    Resident
    Other (Birmingham, AL)
    University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry
    Hoover, Alabama, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • JL

    Jae Chul Lee, PhD

    Associate Professor
    University of Alabama at Birmingham
    University of Alabama at Birmingham

  • WL

    Wei Lyu, PhD

    University of Alabama at Birmingham

  • SM

    Stephen C. Mitchell, DMD

    Professor
    University of Alabama - Birmingham
    Birmingham, Alabama, United States

    • Research Mentor(s)

  • SM

    Stephen C. Mitchell, DMD

    Professor
    University of Alabama - Birmingham
    Birmingham, Alabama, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • JJ

    Janice G. Jackson, DMD

    Professor, Chair & Program Director
    University of Alabama at Birmingham
    Birmingham, Alabama, United States

Abstract:

Purpose: This study aims to characterize the experiences and current practices of dentists in Alabama regarding the provision of dental care to patients with special healthcare needs (SHN).

Methods: A 31-question cross-sectional survey was distributed electronically to licensed, practicing dentists in Alabama. The questionnaire assessed practice characteristics, care provision for patients with SHN, and provider demographics. Descriptive analyses were conducted using data collected.

Results: Out of 58 respondents, final analyses solely focused on pediatric dentists’ (83%, N=46) responses due to low generalist response rate (17%, N=12). Pediatric dentists are highly engaged, with 73% treating over 100 patients with disabilities annually. Due to a shortage of equipped general dentists, 71% of pediatric respondents treat adult patients (ages 18–64). Primary barriers to care are patient behavior (63%) and disability severity (49%); 71% already treat these patients regardless of reimbursement rates. The most critical systemic bottleneck is hospital operating room (OR) access. While 76% of respondents have OR access, 76% of those report obtaining time is moderately to extremely difficult. For 83% of providers experiencing delays, this causes delayed treatment and worsening oral health. Complex care is highly concentrated, with Children’s of Alabama accounting for 45% of OR responses.

Conclusions: Alabama's pediatric dentists are stretched beyond their traditional scope to care for individuals with disabilities, hindered by severe OR access delays and limited transition pathways. Interventions expanding OR capacity and supporting general dentists in treating adults are essential.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number:

Approval was obtained via the Institutional Review Board (UAB protocol #300015270).