29 - 29 Addressing the Gap in Quality of Care for Children with Special Needs in Cambodia

Description: The Collaboration Center for Innovation in Population Oral Health (CIPO) launched the Health Kids Cambodia project in 2015, to manage dental caries among primary school children. This innovative strategy uses a triage approach to emphasize preventive and minimally invasive treatment. More importantly, CIPO uses this approach to influence Cambodian dentists' oral health policy and practices, steering them towards a more preventative and evidence-based model.
The project was inspired by locally conducted research that indicated that, while most children accepted treatment without anxiety, those who were new to treatment from the CIPO team or those who were deaf were more prone to anxiety. CIPO works with several schools that serve children who have special needs. Recognizing a significant gap in how oral health information is shared with these children, the CIPO team designed innovative oral health promotion flip charts. These charts bridge the communication gap by incorporating Braille, providing 3D tooth models, describing their expected sensory experiences, and presenting strategies for communicating the need for a pause during treatment. Implementing these educational materials in a school setting is a testament to CIPO's commitment to addressing the unique needs of children with special needs and enhancing the overall program for all children.
At this roundtable, the audience will learn about the benefits of a triaged approach to care and explore how oral health promotion materials were adapted to improve the oral health experiences of children with special needs in a Cambodian setting.

Source of

Funding: : none