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Special Health Care Needs

188 - Factors Influencing General Dentists’ Willingness to Treat Special Needs Patients

Friday, May 22, 2026
4:00 PM - 4:15 PM PST
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Chandler Roof, DDS

    Resident
    University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry
    University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry
    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Jaylee J. Berryhill, Student

    Student
    University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry
    University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry

  • ES

    Erin Schone, MPH

    University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

  • SA

    Safaa Ahmed, BDS, MPH, DrPH

    Assistant Professor
    University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry
    Oklahoma city, Oklahoma, United States

  • AH

    Autumn Hurd, DDS, FAAPD

    Assistant Director
    University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry
    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

    • Research Mentor(s)

  • AH

    Autumn Hurd, DDS, FAAPD

    Assistant Director
    University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry
    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • DC

    David Ciesla, DDS, MS, MAS, FAAPD

    university of oklahoma dental school
    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

Abstract:

Purpose: Patients with special health care needs often face barriers to accessing dental care. The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with general dentists’ willingness to provide care to patients with special health care needs in the state of Oklahoma.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed electronically to all 1,306 general dentists who were current members of the Oklahoma Dental Association (ODA) at the time of distribution. The survey assessed demographics, practice characteristics, training and experience with SHCN, perceived barriers, comfort level, and willingness to provide care. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted to examine factors associated with willingness to provide care.

Results: Thirty-four dentists completed the survey. While 66.7% agreed that general dentists have a professional obligation to treat patients with SHCN, significant barriers were reported. The most frequent challenges included lack of training (52.9%) and inadequate reimbursement (41.2%). Most respondents (94.1%) had no residency training, and 61.8% had never completed continuing education related to SHCN. Confidence levels varied, with higher confidence reported in treating neurodivergent patients compared to those with syndromic conditions.

Conclusion: General dentists in Oklahoma demonstrate willingness and professional responsibility to care for patients with SHCN; however, limited postgraduate training and financial barriers restrict care provision. Addressing oral health disparities in this population requires enhanced hands-on education and policy reforms to improve reimbursement.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: N/A