Supporting the oral health of people with intellectual disability: A survey of disability staffs' knowledge, perceptions, disability service barriers, and training

• DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2023.101536
• Publication Date: 2023-09-09T10:00:41Z
• Authors: Nathan J. Wilson; Tiffany Patterson...; Amy Villarosa; Hanny Calache; Linda Slack-Smith; Shwetha Girish Ke...; Ajesh George
• Keywords: Oral health; Support staff; 320399 - Dentistry not elsewhere classified; Intellectual disability; Dental; Training; 3. Good health

People with intellectual disabilities experience poorer oral health outcomes, which can negatively impact their quality of life. Disability support staff who peoplewith an disability have the potential to assist hygiene. However, there is limited understanding current practices around health, particularly in Australia.To describe knowledge about explore practice perceptions when supporting people and experiences training.A national cross-sectional survey was undertaken 156 across Australia. Recruitment via publicly available websites services social media.Disability were generally knowledgeable appropriate hygiene risks health. They less links between poor chronic diseases (<40%) importance care for individuals are fed enterally. Most participants (>80%) felt important part interested further training. Staff semi-assisted living they had more time tasks compared home-based residential facilities (p = 0.007). Lack training programs main barrier cited (44%), only a quarter receiving any this area.Disability receptive promoting More needed workforce them undertaking role.