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Special Health Care Needs

162 - Parental Perception of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Intervention on Dental Hygiene in Children with Special Health Care Needs

Friday, May 22, 2026
3:20 PM - 3:35 PM PST
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Kailey M. Vredenburg, DMD

    Pediatric Dental Resident
    University of Florida-Naples
    University of Florida
    Naples, Florida, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • MD

    Maria E. Davila de Gonzalez, DDS, MPH, DrPH

    Community Outreach Program-Clinical Coordinator I
    University of Florida- Naples
    University of Florida, College of Dentistry. Dept. of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science.
    Naples, Florida, United States

  • AP

    Alibeh Prosperi, RDH

    University of Florida- Naples

  • LG

    Lauren Governale, DMD, MPH

    Clinical Associate Professor & Clinical Program Director
    University of Florida- Naples
    Naples, Florida, United States

    • Research Mentor(s)

  • LG

    Lauren Governale, DMD, MPH

    Clinical Associate Professor & Clinical Program Director
    University of Florida- Naples
    Naples, Florida, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • MC

    Matthew Cooke, DDS, MD, MPD

    Program Director
    University of Florida- Gainesville
    Gainesville, Florida, United States

Abstract:

Purpose: Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) face greater risk for oral health disparities due to sensory, behavioral, and medical challenges. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has become a widely used intervention for CSHCN and has demonstrated benefits in improving functional and behavioral outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate parents’ perceptions of ABA therapy and its perceived influence on dental hygiene practices in CSHCN.

Methods: A total of 69 parents or primary caregivers of CSHCN presenting to the NCF Pediatric Dental Clinic over a six‑month period completed a survey. The questionnaire used categorical response scales to assess oral hygiene practices, ABA therapy involvement, and parental perceptions of changes in dental hygiene behaviors.

Results: Eighty‑five percent of respondents reported that their child received ABA therapy. Among these, 50.7% observed improvements in their child’s dental hygiene practices (P < .01). Additionally, 55.2% reported less resistance or anxiety during dental hygiene routines. Overall, 62.3% of participants expressed satisfaction with the progress their child had made since beginning ABA therapy.

Conclusion: Parents of children with special health care needs perceive ABA therapy as a beneficial support for improving dental hygiene practices. These findings highlight the value of continued interdisciplinary collaboration between oral health and behavioral health providers.

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