Seeing patients with intellectual disability is an incredibly rewarding, fun and positive experience as a clinician. It also requires strong clinical expertise, with a good understanding of multiple overlying medical and social factors in a complex oral environment. Individuals with disability are becoming a larger part of the population, as advances in societal-cultural attitudes and medicine have increased the likelihood that people today born with disability survive and live longer. With a global estimated prevalence of 1-3%, general dental practitioners will be seeing patients with intellectual disability in their practices.

Oral health is required if people with intellectual disability are to experience good general health and participate in their communities to the best of their abilities. However they have poorer oral health and greater unmet preventive and treatment needs compared to the general population. With the recent release of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability; National Roadmap for Improving the Health of People with Intellectual Disability, and implementation of the NDIS, it is increasingly important for dentists to be confident in treating this population.

Course Outline:

1. Overview of intellectual disability, barriers and improving access to care
2. Communication, consent and decision-making
3. Common systemic and oral conditions, and practical tips for maintaining oral health (spotlight on Down Syndrome)
4. Practical tips for behaviour management and acclimatisation (spotlight on Autism)