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Patient Management

445 - Qualitative Review: Clinical Oral Care Barriers/Facilitators for Autistic Children

Saturday, May 23, 2026
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM PST
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Abstract: Background: Despite professional behavior guidance guidelines and accommodations for children with special health care needs, autistic children continue to experience significant challenges during dental care. Qualitative studies describe these challenges in detail, yet few have collectively examined the research to understand where pediatric dental care delivery has opportunities for growth to meet autistic children’s needs.

Purpose: To synthesize existing qualitative evidence describing clinical dental care experiences for autistic children.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted across five databases. Included articles were peer-reviewed qualitative studies focused on clinical dental care experiences of autistic children, as reported by children, caregivers, and/or dental health professionals (DHPs),with no publication date limitations. Findings were thematically analyzed.

Results: Included studies (n=16) highlighted provider-, clinic-, and system-level barriers. Provider-level factors (n=14) emphasized challenges with communication, flexibility, rapport-, and assumptions about autism. Clinic-level factors (n=14) focused on scheduling challenges and the clinic environment and tools which exacerbated common sensory difficulties in autistic children. System-level factors (n=15) included limited autism-specific training for DHPs, time constraints within standard appointment structures, referrals, and reimbursement and insurance limitations. Facilitators to care were reported only at the provider- (n=7) and clinic-levels (n=3).

Conclusion: This review suggests that pediatric dental care may not consistently align with the needs of autistic children. Enhancing autism-focused training for DHPs, adapting clinic workflows for individualized care (e.g., scheduling, sensory-based modifications, longer appointments), and securing appropriate reimbursement for these accommodations may help improve care experiences and reduce oral health disparities for this population.

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