Special Needs Children

Course Description 

This three-part course aligns with CARE PD Goal A (Focus Area I) which is to enhance existing SPICE-PD residency curriculum to prepare post-doctoral pediatric dentists to provide care for underserved and special needs groups and communities in the evolving field of dentistry. 

Course Competency 

• Demonstrate the ability to describe ASD disorders and their health and dental implications 
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate and adapt patient care to special needs/ASD children 
• Demonstrate the ability to participate in interprofessional care across different health/behavioral disciplines. 

Course Objectives 

On successful completion of this course, residents will be able to: 

• Identify and understand the behavioral characteristics that describe autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. 
• Identify the red flag behavior characteristics associated with at risk pre-identified young children. 
• Identify the characteristics of comorbid disorders and neurological factors. 
• Articulate the factors (e.g., environmental, cultural, access to care, etc.) contributing to poor oral health in ASD populations. 
• Understand the process of identification of ASD in young children and assessments used to give a diagnosis. 
• Understand the role of parents as resources to health professionals about their child’s development and behavior. 
• Learn about the treatment options for ASD/special needs children. 
• Learn functional analysis of behavior. 
• Learn simple, appropriate and effective techniques for child behavior management in the dental office.